The Crow’s Nest

Breaking with tradition

Perched on a cliff top on the south coast of England, the fittingly-named Crow’s Nest is a feat of engineering. Its unusual cabin-like form was built of necessity – the client’s previous holiday home had literally split in half during a landslide.

SILA Select® used in varying widths for cladding, wooden roofing and SILA RW207 143 x 28 4RA decking — SILA Select® Cladding used in varying widths for cladding, wooden roofing and SILA RW207 143 x 28 4RA decking

New structure

Commissioned to create a whole new structure, architects AR Design Studio and engineers Eckerlsey O’Callaghan came up with an ambitious solution. Dwarf walls and a floating structural frame sit atop a large concrete slab, whilst mechanical jacks have been positioned to allow for secure relevelling.

SILA Select® Cladding after weathering (Feb 2020) — SILA Select® Cladding (February 2020)

SILA Select® Siberian Larch 150x25, 100x25 and 47x25mm in vertical open rainscreen arrangement | The Crow's Nest | A R Design Studio — SILA Select® Siberian Larch 150×25, 100×25 and 47x25mm in vertical open rainscreen arrangement | The Crow’s Nest | A R Design Studio

Perfect material

The design concept is based on the idea of movement and fracturing; the wooden cabin splitting and twisting to form four pods. Russwood rough sawn larch cladding provided the perfect material for the build, creating a haphazard effect that beautifully echoes the woodland backdrop of the site. Inside, the four pods house an open plan central living area, guest bedroom and children’s bedroom. Large glass sliding doors bring the outside in, adding a sharp modern edge to the warmth of the wood and making the most of the stunning sea views.

Russwood sawn larch cladding provided the exact appearance and feel that we wanted for the project. The team’s efficiency and eagerness to get the job right is always apparent and they’re a delight to deal with.
AR Design Studio