The Cliff House is a conceptual design by Australian architectural firm Modscape of a five storey modular home that clings to the side of a sheer cliff face. The concept was born in response to a growing demand from Australians wanting to live life on the edge. The design is a theoretical response to clients who have approached Modscape to explore design options for extreme parcels of coastal land in Australia.

Inspired by the way barnacles cling to the hull of a ship, a concept was developed for a modular home to hang off the side of a cliff as opposed to sitting on top of it. The home is visualized as a natural extension of the cliff face rather than an addition to the landscape, creating an absolute connection with the ocean.

As the design itself would make conventional construction prohibitive, the concept utilizes Modscape’s modular design and prefabrication technologies to deliver a series of stacked modules that are anchored into the cliff face using engineered steel pins. Entry to the home is through a carport on the top floor, where a lift vertically connects the user through each of the descending living spaces.

Internally, the living spaces feature minimalistic furnishings to ensure that the transcendent views of the ocean and the unique spatial experience of the location remain the integral focal point of the design.

Photos: Courtesy of Modscape