Elevating Devon and Cornwall's Skyline: Architectural Inspiration by Poynton Bradbury Architects

Devon and Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, farmland, and rich historical heritage, is full of architectural inspiration. The blend of natural beauty, traditional materials, and a long-standing connection to the sea, continues to influence contemporary architectural designs in these two beautiful counties.

Poynton Bradbury Architect’s work is a testament to the seamless integration of modern design with the traditional and natural elements that are characteristic of this region. One of the most significant sources of architectural inspiration in Devon and Cornwall is the rugged and picturesque coastline.

Extreme weather design experts, Poynton Bradbury have designed of many of the RNLI’s lifeboat stations – Padstow, The Lizard, Fistral Beach, Newquay, St Ives, and Sennen Cove – taking architectural inspiration from the remote and treacherous coastline and marrying this with the modern-day practicalities essential for a life saving organisation.

Other waterside projects include the three-million-pound renovation of the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, which was originally built in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V and is the largest of only five seawater lidos remaining in the UK.

More recently, the firm designed Sideshore, Exmouth’s seafront watersports centre, which is also home to Mickeys Beach Bar & Restaurant. Sideshore was built to the highest standards of sustainability, and it reflects a growing awareness of environmental impact and a desire to blend a contemporary building with the natural surroundings. This energy efficient commercial building received a ground-breaking Energy Performance Rating (EPC) A.

Poynton Bradbury director, Chris Turner says: “The focus on sustainability runs through every part of the development, from the choice of locally sourced materials including Yennadon Stone, to the range of world-leading tenants including local and renowned celebrity chef, Michael Caines, a local artist, and slow fashion retailer selling pre-loved surf wear.”

The teams’ designers also draw architectural inspiration from Devon and Cornwall’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Cornwall’s rich mining history is reflected in the numerous engine houses and industrial buildings that dot the landscape. These structures, often constructed from local granite, stand as monuments to the area’s industrial past and are now being repurposed for modern uses, blending history with contemporary needs.

Poynton Bradbury’s heritage and conservation team have created designs for many of Cornwall’s landmark buildings: The King Edward Mine complex in Camborne is recognised as having 'Outstanding Universal Value' as the oldest and best preserved mine within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site (pre-1920) and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. St John’s Hall in Penzance is one of the largest granite buildings in the South West, and the Wheal Martyn Clay Works Museum in St Austell - based within two Victorian china clay works – is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The integration of contemporary design with traditional elements is exemplified in the work of architects like Poynton Bradbury. Their projects serve as exemplary models of how contemporary architecture can harmoniously coexist with traditional and natural landscapes, ensuring that new developments enhance rather than detract from the character of these beloved counties.