A contemporary farmstead in the Arts + Craft tradition

This reimagination of an historic farmstead fits in the lineage of Arts & Crafts country homes found across the southeast of England. The design combines traditional Sussex craft traditions with innovative technologies to create a contemporary family residence which is undeniably of its place.

It is an exemplar Paragraph 84 project, whereby the construction of new housing in rural environments must meet stringent standards to achieve planning approval, by demonstrating an exceptional, site-sensitive design that enhances the local landscape.

Inspiration for the concept was derived in part from 'Bois III', an etching by Spanish artist Eduardo Chillida. The pattern in the piece evokes the medieval field patterns that characterise the site’s surrounding countryside.

The highly sustainable, multigenerational home will seamlessly integrate with the existing landscape, featuring substantial planting, increased biodiversity, and habitat restoration. The U-shaped layout prioritises natural light and the indoor-outdoor connection to nature, centered around a courtyard garden typical of traditional farmsteads.

We have not sought to recreate a farmstead, but rather to draw on the Arts & Crafts tradition to reimagine the typology in a contemporary manner of the highest architectural merit.