Converted First World War coastal structure at Chapel Porth, white timber cladding, corrugated metal roof and Corten steel raised beds, Elements Build Cornwall

The Glimpse

A First World War coastal structure, converted into a high-performance home on the north Cornwall coast.

This started as a derelict ammunition store - part of Cornwall's First World War coastal defence infrastructure, sitting on the headland at Chapel Porth. By the time Elements Build came on site, it had been stripped back to bare concrete. The foundations had never been properly underpinned, the roof was beyond repair, and the structure had no insulation, no services, and no airtightness to speak of.

Working closely with Marrum Architects throughout, the build addressed the structural issues first. Foundations underpinned. The roof lifted, fully rebuilt, and re-clad in Cornish larch with a custom standing-seam tin finish. The envelope was then brought up to a high level of energy performance: full insulation, airtight construction, air source heat pump, and underfloor heating throughout. Acoustic insulation throughout the build ensures the Atlantic wind outside stays outside.

The brief from the owner was clear - make it perform without making it disappear. The material palette reflects that. Flooring is reclaimed timber salvaged from a decommissioned chapel in East Anglia. Doors are custom-made. The bathroom suite is reclaimed. Every window and opening was positioned to frame a view of the Cornish coastline - the glimpse the project is named for. Outside, raised beds planted with marram grass anchor the building back into the dune landscape it sits within.

  • Open-plan kitchen and dining room with reclaimed timber floor, exposed painted beams and full-width shelving, Cornwall conversion

    Open-plan living built within the original structure - exposed beams, reclaimed materials, and full insulation throughout.

  • Living room with wood-burning stove, reclaimed timber floor and white-painted staircase, airtight conversion Chapel Porth Cornwall

    Airtight construction and underfloor heating throughout, paired with a wood burner for the north Cornwall winters.

  • Open-plan kitchen with full-width windows framing the Cornish valley, reclaimed floor and painted tongue-and-groove walls, Cornwall

    Windows positioned to frame the Cornish landscape - every opening considered as part of the design.

  • Bedroom interior glimpsed through doorway alongside indoor log store, tongue-and-groove lined walls, Chapel Porth conversion Cornwall

    Quiet, well-insulated rooms - acoustic and thermal performance built in from the structure up.

  • Bespoke built-in bunk bed with arched surround and circular porthole window, custom joinery throughout Cornwall conversion

    Fully bespoke joinery throughout - designed to make the most of every corner of the original structure.

Open casement window framing a derelict Cornish tin mine engine house across moorland, Chapel Porth, St Agnes
Upstairs study with reclaimed chapel timber flooring, tongue-and-groove lined walls and framed coastal view, Cornwall conversion
Corrugated metal sheet roof with dormer windows and metal flue, fully rebuilt as part of coastal structure conversion, Cornwall
Corten steel raised beds with coastal grasses flanking timber veranda steps, Chapel Porth conversion, Elements Build and Marrum Architects
Bespoke white-painted staircase with custom built-in storage drawers and mezzanine bunk, heritage conversion Cornwall
Reclaimed clawfoot bath with vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling and plantation shutters, Chapel Porth conversion, Cornwall
Converted coastal home at Chapel Porth seen across the north Cornwall landscape near St Agnes, Elements Build
Exterior side elevation of converted coastal structure, white vertical timber cladding and metal flue, Chapel Porth Cornwall