Mid Sussex Family House

This site in Mid Sussex comprises a number of dilapidated and decaying garage and lofted outbuildings which form a relatively large footprint within the landscape.

The brief comprises demolition and removal of these buildings and replacement with a new build family home set broadly within the footprint and general heights of the existing buildings.

The proposals are also conceived around the position of a historic garden wall which is utilised as a threshold to pass through into the new dwelling, punctuated occasionally with apertures and rooflights that provide natural light into the ground floor hallway. This hallway runs parallel with the garden wall and in-turn leads to the primary spaces which are orientated to the rear south, east and west of the plan around a central courtyard garden. Kitchen-breakfast room to the east, living and dining in the centre of the plan and a detached west garden room all maximise the sun path and provide unique connections with the surrounding landscape and trees and beyond.

Whilst bedrooms and family bathroom are proposed at first floor, the design offers the flexibility of a ground floor bedroom and ensuite as well as a snug/bedroom space to ensure the dwelling can be utilised as a ‘house for life’ for the occupants as well as providing space for visiting family and guests.