An amazing location on the waterfront within the Camel Estuary Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty presented a rare opportunity for a new family home. Accessed from a single-track lane ending in a slipway into the water, the new dwelling replaces a small, single storey structure had been owned by the same family for over 50 years and was the setting for many happy memories. The client’s brief was for a design that captured the spirit of the original building and location and framed the views along the creek and out to sea. The result is a well-constructed, energy efficient house that responds sensitively to the surrounding landscape and blends traditional forms with contemporary detailing. The palette of materials enables the new house to disappear into its backdrop of trees and shadow, and gives it a timeless feel that will weather and improve with age. Photograph: Ocean and Earth Photography