We were asked to design a new house on an impressive site in East Sussex with a Victorian garden within an ancient woodland, comprising an area of outstanding natural beauty. We designed this new build house as partly subterranean to seamlessly merge with the surrounding landscape.

It was important to the client, as well as our team, that this house project would be sustainable and environmentally-conscious. Therefore, we have included the use of on-site renewables, have designed the building mainly using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), have designed wild flower green roofs, are using naturally charred timber cladding, and have included rainwater harvesting and an air source heat pump.

The rooflights enhance the natural light entering the property and are sculptural, acting as sculptures within the surrounding natural landscape. The windows have been designed so that views of the wildlife can be enjoyed whilst inside the house.