The Nab

About the Project:

“The Nab” — A contemporary and bespoke riverside home in Devon

Set on the historic waterfront of Topsham, this remarkable self-build project has quietly redefined what it means to live in style. “The Nab,” a contemporary replacement dwelling, proves that complexity can be met with clarity and beauty with resilience. Originally home to a modest 1960s bungalow, the site came with layers of planning and environmental constraint. Flanked by two Grade II listed buildings and hugging the River Exe (itself a protected SSSI, SPA, and Ramsar site) the location sits within Flood Zone 3 and demanded serious environmental, structural, and aesthetic consideration. Our client's brief, was both ambitious and personal: to create a low-maintenance, lock-up-and-leave home that could welcome family without compromising privacy. The result is a confident, elegant home that draws inspiration from the site’s maritime history. Linear forms and a minimalist material palette echo the wharfside buildings of old, while clean detailing and robust finishes prepare it for a long and sustainable future. One of the project's quiet triumphs is its subtle complexity. The superstructure blends a robust steel frame with thermally efficient timber framing, engineered to withstand flood risk, salt air, and high estuary winds. An over-sailing rafter system delivers not only structural integrity but also deep eaves that provide passive solar shading and a subtle nod to rising summer temperatures. Internally, the home is no less considered. A bespoke “floating” staircase greets visitors with restrained drama, combining laser-cut steel stringers and oak-capped treads in a deceptively simple design. Above, a cantilevered first-floor terrace takes full advantage of the estuary views while concealing a high-performance drainage and railing system designed for marine exposure. Sustainability was embedded from the outset. The home exceeds SAP requirements through fabric-first design, ASHP heating, MVHR, and PV-ready infrastructure with battery storage already in place. Materials were carefully chosen for their low embodied carbon: Actis insulation, lime mortar, charred timber, and a powder-coated aluminium sub-frame that cleverly manages potential water ingress at the glazing junctions. Planning success was no small feat either. Through the use of photorealistic CGIs and panoramic visuals, our team conveyed the design’s impact with uncommon clarity, helping planners see beyond policy constraints to architectural intent. What stands now is more than just a home; it’s a benchmark for waterfront living. “The Nab” demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can meet technical challenge with creativity and transform a constrained site into a calm, elegant retreat. For our clients, it’s a dream made real. For the rest of us, it’s a masterclass in expert context-driven self-build design and a property we are extremely proud of.