Oyster House

Port Navas, Cornwall

Melissa and Andrew

Contractor: Robert Fenn

Structural Engineer: MBA Consulting

Interior: Kitchen by George Robinson

Photography: Form Photography

Perched on a south facing slope overlooking the Helford River, Oyster House commands unrivalled views from its prominent position at the head of the creek.

Respectful of its visibility in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the house carefully steps back up the hillside and the overall mass is reduced on the upper levels. The main entrance hall, with its dramatic steel and timber staircase, is recessed to help to break the form even further. Windows overlooking the creek are deeply recessed, providing shade in the summer months and shelter in winter.

The lower two floors are clad in locally sourced stone, providing the house with a solid grounding on the site while also matching other buildings in the village and referencing the robust quay walls nearby. The upper floor delicately rests on top and is clad in untreated timber, a nod to the surrounding woodland.

Accommodation is split between guest rooms to the west and the main living spaces to the east. The principal bedroom enjoys a privileged position on the upper floor, while on the lower level a games room leads out to a terraced area and swimming pool.

Our project with KAST Architects has been a tremendous success. The site presented some significant challenges: a steep slope, limited access, and its location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, right on the edge of a creek.
Melissa and Andrew, Client
As first-time homebuilders, we were navigating uncharted territory, but David and Nick from KAST guided us through every step with clarity and professionalism.
Melissa and Andrew, Client
From the outset, it was important to us to work with local Cornish professionals and suppliers wherever possible. KAST respected this priority while balancing our ideas with architectural integrity and a strong design vision.
Melissa and Andrew, Client
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend KAST. Their creativity, professionalism, and collaborative spirit made a potentially daunting project not only achievable but thoroughly enjoyable.
Melissa and Andrew, Client