Location: Near Alfriston, East Sussex
Work carried out: The property was a barn conversion and a double garage from the 1970’s which was extensively remodelled to form a relaxation space with study gallery.
Project description:
The owners wanted to create a better entrance to the property, an updated Kitchen, a new Dining Area and a family space that could be used for listening to music and enjoying the stunning East facing views of their new courtyard garden and to the Downs beyond. There was also a requirement to add a ‘muddy boots’ entrance with a Utility space.
A design for the entrance inverted the position of the glass and solid oak from the previous arrangement. The new front door was signalled by the thinnest of glazed panels which encourages a sense of internal privacy and security and adds to the drama of the big double-height Hallway space within.
The Kitchen was enlarged to include a Breakfast area facing the courtyard garden to the South and a Dining Room enlarged from a former passage link to the new relaxation space.
The relaxation space is unique – both dynamic and formally resolved. It has a curved rear wall which serves to focus the seating on the wood-burning stove and the glazed doors. Above the seating is a glazed floor which is edge lit with colour change LED strip. You reach this floor above by a steel and oak stair with glazed balustrade. This is a Study area with an elevated view out to the landscape. At night the whole room is flooded with intense colour from the glazed floor which enhances the music.
Behind the curved wall is the ‘damp’ entrance which is also the Utility Room. Other rooms were updated too elsewhere in the property.
The project was chosen by the RIBA for the cover of its ‘Architects in East & West Sussex’ leaflet to project a successful image of Architecture to the public.
Contractor: Thomas & Duffield
Kitchen by Woodworks of Lewes,
Joinery by Parsons Joinery of Ringmer
Bespoke steel and glass curved floor and staircase by Iron Designs of Portslade.
Awards:
2009 Sussex Heritage Trust Award
Small Scale Residential
Highly Commended Certificate
“A well resolved mix of new and existing structures combined to be ergonomically functional and visually satisfying. An excellent use was made of space with inventive design ideas giving a distinctive personality to the project. Well deserving of a Highly Commended certificate.” – Sussex Heritage Trust Award Judges
2009 Downland Prize
Shortlisted