Alter Architects in Fowey

Fowey is a remarkable architectural setting: a historic harbour town positioned within a deeply wooded estuary and protected landscape. Visit guides to Fowey highlights the town's historic and coastal character.

Its narrow streets, historic buildings, waterfront setting and surrounding countryside create a strong sense of place. For any architectural project, understanding that context is essential. ALTER Architects works across Cornwall on residential and other design-led projects, including work in sensitive coastal and heritage environments.

In Fowey, the relationship between architecture and landscape can be particularly powerful. Views across the estuary, changing levels, mature vegetation and the character of surrounding buildings can all become important parts of the design process. For an extension or renovation, the challenge may be to add modern functionality without losing the qualities that make an existing property special.

For a new building, the opportunity is to create something contemporary that responds intelligently to the landscape and townscape around it.

Cornwall National Landscape's planning guidance provides information on landscape-led development and the importance of responding to local historical, cultural and landscape context. This is an approach we strongly share: architecture should enhance its setting rather than compete with it.