Location: Ditchling, West Sussex
Work carried-out: Negotiations with Planners and Conservation Officer to achieve a design that would blend in without looking pastiche. All Construction from the First Floor upwards was timber frame which suited the access being restricted.
Project description: The site was tight for both the design and construction. A shared garage had to be split and integrated into the structure of the house. The property was unusual as it had been built as a barn-like snooker room and then later was converted rather badly into a three story characterful house, losing some of the best details. So our unusual task was to make this faux rural building blend in without looking pastiche which would degrade the Conservation Area, and at the same time leaving it as a well-engineered state of the art village house that would add to the charming mix that is Ditchling. There were various key vistas to be had and we located windows to provide framed views of beauty, sometimes in positions that would be more fun for the children. There is a magnificent view to the South of the ridge of the Downs from the Master Bedroom on the top floor.
The services in the building all work together with the design to produce a palpably comfortable internal environment – snug and secure during the cold and wet weather, but also comfortably cool on hot summer days.
Robert takes care and attention on all his projects, not just the ones for his family.
Contractor: Coastal Building Services, Ditchling
Awards:
2015 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Small Scale Residential
Winner
“A building that delights and surprises. The front elevation belies what’s in store. The playful juxtaposition of the windows frames the wonderful views of the South Downs. The low level windows in the children’s rooms are a delight for adults and children alike. A well-executed scheme on a tight site and tight budget. The judges unanimously consider this a worthy award winner.”– Sussex Heritage Trust Judges
Contractor testimonial: “Being in the unique position of working with DK Architects as a client and being under their employ on construction projects, I feel I can comment on all facets of their business structure. From initial discussion and design concept, right through to support and scrutiny, David Kemp and his team offer an extremely professional , but at the same time very friendly approach to their practice. I am particularly impressed with project integration throughout the team, every associate has an active role within each project and therefore even small enquiries are never left unanswered as project development is very much shared. Various projects.
Robert Moore – CBS Contractors