“The uniqueness of the tower sold it to us,” says Morveth Ward. “It was imposing and unrelenting, but we can imagine getting it done, and we’re excited about the challenge of getting it there.”
Standing 11 meters tall with a footprint of just 25 square metres, the tower in question was built in 1910 from local granite and was used as an electricity substation, although the location adds to the magic, as it sits on a high ridge in rural west Cornwall.
Here, the peninsula is so narrow that both shores can be seen simultaneously, providing a breathtaking view that was a large part of the substation’s appeal for the pair.
Article continues below
Project details
- location West Cornwall
- Type of house A former stone electricity substation built in 1910
- construction method is an extension Wooden frame and a wooden lid
- Project costs £400,000
- Architect Jacob Down
- interior design Travolta Studios
Image 1 No 3
Local connections
“We are very original here,” says Abi, an interior designer. “Morveth grew up a few fields away, and we were looking for a project. We asked the farmer five years ago to let us know if he ever wanted to sell.”
And when she said she did, the couple threw everything they had into the project, sold their house, saved their savings and moved into a stationary caravan on the site. Yet the magnitude of this one-off challenge did not faze him.
“We did renovation projects Before, but nothing on this scale,” Morveth says. Abi agrees, saying, “It was before we had kids, and it was daunting in our minds — on the contrary, it was exciting. We knew there would be hiccups, even though we had planned it to perfection, and we agreed that it might be stressful, but not worth getting upset about.”
The pair say their confidence came from knowing they had a great team and part of that team was their architect, Jacob Down, who was a natural choice.
“We’ve been best friends since school,” says Morveth. “We’re very aligned, there’s no tension and Jacob is super creative.”
Jakob created new spaces in the existing tower on three levels (the top is a mezzanine bedroom) and added a two-storey, larch-clad extension, set back and to the side.
A central, full-height lightwell ensures that the heart of the building is naturally bright and frames the drama of the Corniche sky. A small porch on one side of the tower had to be removed and replaced in the same style as the tower Expansion.
Image 1 No 3
Additions with integrity
The new additions are deliberately contemporary in design, contrasting with the original building. They add valuable practical space for family living, but without detracting from the original building.
Choice of Morveth and Abi Wood as cladding The concept of distinction and contrast between property parts continues for extensions.
“We never wanted it to be a match, because it felt inauthentic,” explains Abi. “We didn’t want to blur the lines, because that would change the form of the tower, and we wanted to keep the original core. When we discussed the different materials that could be used, we felt that wood would weather well.”
Image 1 No 2
Differences of opinion
getting Planning permission Their vision took less than a year to come to fruition and, luckily, was fairly stress-free as the couple made an agreement with the farmer that they would only buy the land once the planning was granted.
Agreed on Building Regulations However, there was a challenge, as the approach favored by local authorities was to dry-line the original stonework on the inner face and construct stud walls with conventional insulation to meet the required U-values.
However this did not fit Morweth and Aby’s vision for sustainability and respect for the historic fabric of the building. Fortunately, the couple found a local company, Cornish Lime, which makes lime insulation. As a natural material, lime render meets the required U-value without losing space in new stud walls.
“We had to fight for it, but it was worth persevering,” says Morveth. “Otherwise, we would have been left with square rooms, whereas now we can follow the line of the original walls, giving a more aesthetic and authentic feel.”
The outer walls also needed attention. Morveth worked with the building team to remove the cement between the granite blocks and repoint the tower with lime, allowing the house to breathe.
Image 1 No 3
Local sourcing
According to Morveth, the size of the project and the potential unknowns proved difficult.
“Repointing was a big job, but we knew we had to get it right and not rush it,” he says.
Another sustainable measure the couple took was drilling a Borehole for water. “It was a great decision because the water quality is amazing,” says Abi.
The couple also chose it Ground-source heat pumps. The former substation stands on a one-acre plot, so they had a shallow, coil-type site. “We were looking for green alternatives,” says Morveth. “GSHP manufacturer Kensa is here in Cornwall, so our system was built just 15 miles away, and it proved to be the best choice for us.”
Bringing local sourcing and sustainable principles to interior design was Abi’s goal when she designed the finish. She chose to use clay paints — including some self-mixed — so there were “no horrible chemicals,” and the kitchen cabinetry was handcrafted in solid wood.
Abi also removed old renders to reveal red brick arches over windows and doors. “I would describe the style as modern rustic,” says Abi. “I wanted to pay homage to the building and its fabric by adding a sense of character and history. For example, we found some old switches, which we cleaned up and installed as outdoor lights.”
Image 1 No 4
Looking forward
Morveth worked as a laborer on site throughout the build and renovation and the couple shared Project Management responsibilities, Abi was able to focus on interior design from the start.
Morveth credits his foresight. “I would constantly ask, ‘Why are you buying this now?’ But getting the right things proved the right thing to do when she saw them,” he says. “That meant that as soon as the building work was done, we were ready to go.”
Despite the dangers and challenges, the Wards – now a family of three, following the arrival of daughter Posey – love their life in this former substation. He is also passionate about the potential of unused heritage buildings as homes.
Image 1 No 1
“There’s a lot of space with great light,” says Abi. Morveth agrees: “I like the sense of freedom the building gives,” he says. “The elements, the huge expanse, the sense of space. It’s amazing how it opens up from the roof. It’s an elevated plot, and from the top of the building, you feel like you’re flying.”
Did you enjoy this house tour? You might also want to look around for this A Manhattan-inspired loft conversion in London or this Extended London terrace with flexible layout.
