A-frame in the valley
An alpine inspired self build shaped around open family living in Bissoe Valley, Cornwall
WELCOME TO MARRAUM
From the glimmer of an idea to the stroke of a pencil, the first turn of a door handle to the flickering of a smile across a face, at Marraum we bring more to your space – and take your story beyond its walls.
And we begin with you. Because at the heart of each architecture project – studio spaces, private loft conversions, commercial builds or building that dream home – are the people who use it.
They’re the yawns that stretch to eye-widening views in the morning. They’re the feet feeling cool concrete underfoot. They’re the eyes looking for inspiration at their desks. And the shoulders that hunker down in the evening. These are the people whose surroundings bring more to each and every experience.
With years of architecture and design experience in both Cornwall and further afield – paired with aesthetic drive, strong ethics and constant curiosity – we know how to make space work harder for you.So from beginning, middle and end – discover how you can bring your own story of space to life.
The brief
Jay and Helen wanted a bespoke home that reflected their personality and supported a social, family focused way of living.
The brief included an open plan kitchen, dining and living space, a separate snug, three bedrooms, a utility, an outbuilding and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
The site sits within a World Heritage Site Area, so the contemporary form needed to be carefully considered and clearly communicated through the planning process.
The interpretation
The A-frame living space became the defining feature. Once this was agreed, the rest of the plan could be organised around it, creating a dramatic central volume with a mezzanine snug above.
The open plan space celebrates height, light and structure. Exposed timber frames give rhythm and warmth to the interior, while the spiral staircase creates a sculptural route up to the snug.
A single storey flat roof wing forms the bedroom accommodation, allowing the house to balance a striking social space with quieter private rooms.
Externally, the combination of zinc roofing and burnt timber cladding gives the building a confident contemporary character. Although the form is unusual for the area, the proposal was well received when presented to Parish Council during the planning process.
The unique structure brought its own detailed design challenges, especially around the junctions and how everything would come together on site. By staying closely involved at every step, we were able to give the clarity, drawings and reassurance needed to keep this self build moving forward with confidence and care.
The outcome
The completed home gives Jay and Helen the fun, light and social family home they set out to create.
Arriving at the site is part of the experience. As the road opens into the valley, the zinc clad A-frame appears against the surrounding fields, creating a striking first impression.
Inside, the main living space is generous, open and full of character. The exposed frame, mezzanine snug and spiral staircase make the home feel playful and personal, while the bedroom wing keeps everyday life practical.
This project is a great example of how we respond to a detailed brief and create a design that goes beyond the ordinary. The outcome is a one-of-a-kind self build home, shaped around personality, setting and family life.
