Contemporary New Build, Sussex

Contemporary New Build, Sussex

This new build three-bedroom residential project comprises some 3,800 ft2 and is arranged over a single storey. The house is set on three different interconnecting levels and was completed in September 2024.

The scheme replaces a number of derelict agricultural buildings and farmworkers cottages in a woodland setting in rural Sussex.  The project is a comprehensive architectural and landscape whole, combining buildings, new planting, water features and existing landscape in a Gesamtkunstwerk.

The main composition centres around an internal open courtyard which embraces views out to a large body of water fed by a rill, which in turn is fed by a combination of rainwater run off augmented as necessary by a borehole.

The design was originally created by Adam Richards Architects, who designed the concept.  JWA were appointed to steer the scheme through regulatory compliance and construction design stages and see the project through on site as Contract Administrator.

Complex Structural Challenge

A major change to the structural scheme was initiated at the time of our appointment. This involved converting the structure of the scheme from cross laminated timber (CLT) to steel frame. In addition, significant geometric and constructional challenges were encountered along the way, these largely involved redesigning and redrawing the roof geometry, windows and rationalising the construction.

Bespoke Interior Elements

Once the structure of this unique, bespoke building was resolved JWA worked closely with the client to complete the interior scheme for the house.  A number of complex joinery components were designed and delivered for the scheme, including a library incorporating concealed lighting and a walkthrough dressing room in the principal suite. JWA also designed a number of bespoke loose furniture elements, including the principal bed, banquette dining bench and dining table, working to complement the overarching design principles of the house design and utilising a sympathetic material palette.

The main material palette is composed of Fittleworth stone and standing seam patinated zinc, broken up by syncopated runs of pillared glazing and large oriel windows.  All of these elements raised challenges of their own, particularly the large scaled oriel windows which required careful planning of transport and handing to install on site.  The natural ventilation scheme relies on a series of bespoke timber shutters – some mechanically controlled – which leave the great bulk of the glazing fixed.

The scheme has been engineered to a high state of thermal efficiency utilising a ground source heat pump installation, combined with underfloor heating which can be run in reverse cycle to maintain cool temperatures through high summer.  Certain areas are also air conditioned, and all installations can be monitored and controlled remotely.  A complementary lighting scheme was designed to work with the large scaled spaces and to highlight items of the clients carefully selected art collection.  In addition a high level of site security is maintained, with CCTV covering all angles.

JWA completed the delivery of the construction scheme in September 2024 leaving a team to complete the ambitious landscaping scheme – complete with extensive and elaborate water features – which continued in delivery for a further 18 months.

The main contractor was Nicholls Countryside Construction, continuing a design and build collaboration with James Wells Architects. Over recent years we have created a number of exceptional houses in the Sussex area, including new build residential projects as well as several country estates, such as this project in West Sussex, and listed building refurbishments.