Sanctuary House is a new-build replacement dwelling overlooking the bird sanctuary at Bowling Green Marsh on the east bank of the Exe Estuary in Topsham. Barc Architects were commissioned to design a home that would be a sanctuary for the clients whilst having minimal impact on the local wildlife. The building is designed to nestle into the setting of Mount Howe, it is a simple form that has been carefully refined to take full advantage of the panoramic views to the estuary, whilst also maintaining privacy from the road. It has a natural palette of materials, including stone cladding, larch, zinc, porcelain tiles and lime render. The stone-clad base of the building has a sense of solidity around which the garden can flow, this solidity is balanced by the transparency of the glazed pavilion above. The summer house sinks into the garden and a glazed gallery link serves to create an exterior sheltered courtyard between it and the main house. Internally a sweeping staircase rises between the levels and the views are revealed as one ascends. Spaces for reflection have been carefully considered as have areas for socialising and entertainment. The clients brief for a light building, with little glare has resulted in the integration of large overhanging eaves which will block the high summer sun but allow the winter sun to penetrate the space. There is level access throughout, along with an internal lift, wide hallways, doors and wheelchair accessible spaces, all which will ensure that the building will be suitable for the lifetime of its occupants. The house is designed to surpass building regulations standards in terms of energy efficiency, it incorporates pv panels, an air sounce heat pump, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery and a Tesla battery.