News: a company that specialises in prefabricated housing has unveiled a concept for a modular residence that would hang off the side of a cliff.

Australian housing firm Modscape developed the Cliff House in response to a number of client requests for homes in extreme coastal locations. Comprising five storeys, the residence is designed to cling onto the side of a vertical rockface.

"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," said Modscape in a statement.

"The home is visualised as a natural extension of the cliff face rather than an addition to the landscape, creating an absolute connection with the ocean."

According to the design team, this kind of construction would not be possible using conventional construction. Their concept involves creating a stack of five modules that are each anchored to the cliff using engineered steel pins.

The roof of the house would sit level with the ground, making it impossible to create a standard entrance. Instead, a car port would lower residents down into a concealed garage on the top floor.

A staircase and lift would descend down through the centre of the building, creating a natural division between the two sides of the residence.

Furnishing would be minimal – to enhance views of the ocean, say designers.