Historically, Cornwall’s Gwennap mining district was hailed as ‘the richest square mile to be found anywhere on earth’. Tin, copper and clay, abundant natural resources, were extensively mined and exploited for commercial gain. At present, the urgent need for decarbonisation has sparked a renewed interest in mining, particularly lithium extraction, to meet battery manufacturers’ demands. This has led to the reopening of Cornwall's mines to serve global markets.

To meet the demand for new housing and the desire to integrate the region's mining heritage into the local context, Land Grab seeks to bridge gaps between the divided towns across Cornwall’s Clay County.

Dwellings are constructed using waste material from clay pits, specifically kaolin clay – also called china clay - creating cast-tiled walls. Affordable yet ornamental features blend elements of the Cornish vernacular with contemporary design. The project revitalises traditional craftmanship while incorporating innovative autonomous technologies. The architecture serves as a reflection of the passage of time, as infrastructure transitions into housing units and gradually reintegrate into the surrounding landscape.