Maison de la Falaise is built into a hollow quarried out of the cliff. It is an organic building which incorporates water, natural stone, timber and reed thatch.
The building sits partly within a natural swimming pool, and emerges from the ground as if it were part of the geology. The landscaping forms an important part of the design. Massive boulders with plants in the dry joints are battered upwards with diminishing masonry above; out of the rough stonework three frameless glass pods project, hanging over the cliff. At the upper floor level, the cladding changes to larch, incorporating another glass pod under the curved and overhanging reed thatch. A slender and dramatic external stair linking the two levels leads down to a timber pad over the water.
From the landward side the house appears to be a small, traditional, timber and thatch cottage; but due to the curved plan, the expanding interior volume is explosive, with astonishing and vertiginous views opening up as one moves through the unexpected spaces.
The interior is intensely detailed. The main staircase is a three-storey thin vertical concrete ribbon, from which the treads are cantilevered with no intermediate support; the glass balusters are rebated deep within the treads. The walnut doors are detailed with beaten pewter and glass inserts, whilst the bathroom doors are photographic negatives. The fireplaces are built with white and blue Lias; the latter in a rare polished form.
The house requires minimal heating due to the thickness of thatch over the high levels of insulation.
The summerhouse compliments the main house, and is approached via a sinuous walkway through the lush landscape.