Cliff House

A timber volume cantilevered over a basalt cliff — a house for two that looks only at the Atlantic.

The site

A narrow ledge of volcanic rock above the sea, exposed to wind from three sides and to rain most of the year.

The idea

A concrete plinth anchored into the basalt carries a cedar-clad box that reaches out over the edge. The living room ends in one sheet of glass and the horizon.

Living there

The house was built in a single season by a local team. The owners say storms are now the best time to be home.