Stephenson:ISA completes precarious Grand Designs project

A North Wales clifftop home designed by the Manchester-based architecture studio was featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs this week, with the property given 60 years before it falls into the sea.

Cefn Castell is on the edge of an isolated cliff in Criccieth, and overlooks Cardigan Bay. The project was the focus of the first episode of the new series of the Grand Designs programme, broadcast on Wednesday 3 September.

The building was the replacement for a dilapidated 400 year old cottage that stood on the site. The design was based around a glass box, to maximise the panoramic views from each room.

The house belongs to Rob Hodgson and Kay Ralph. According to the Channel 4 website, their home "may only just outlive them as the cliff has about 60 years before it disappears into the sea. The stunning building could disappear before their very eyes".

Architect John Boardman led the Stephenson:ISA team.