SIDE BY SIDE IN THE SOUTH DOWNS
SIDE BY SIDE IN THE SOUTH DOWNS
Set at the foot of the South Downs, Turner & Hoskins Architects were asked to extend this house to improve living space, and to exploit the views of the South Downs. Previously having 5 external doors, a significant requirement was to provide a clear and obvious main entrance.
Set within the South Downs National Park Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within a Conservation Area, and adjacent to a Grade II Listed Building, there was much to consider, including significant Planning Policies relating to the Built and Historic Environment and High Quality Design, and the Dark Night Skies; the latter being a Policy seeking to prevent light pollution within the National Park.
The original house had a lounge that was smaller than the kitchen/dining room, and a small, low window within the main bedroom that felt mean and did not maximise the views of the Downs.
The proposed design uses recessed, or framed openings to try to minimise light spill; the design also included automatic blinds on dusk sensors. The brick detailing included cuboid bricks to ensure crisp lines to the new main entrance door, cownose bricks to frame the large sliding/folding doors, and bullnose bricks to the windows to the side elevations. A new large oriel window at first floor provides stunning views of the hills.
Completed in 2020.
From the Planning Officer’s report:
The proposed extensions and alterations help rationalise the front of the property and are in keeping with the overall design of the dwelling. It has been well designed and has a positive impact on the appearance of the property.
Photo credits: Elissa Jane Diver Photography for Interiors
www.houzz.co.uk/pro/elissa-diver/elissa-jane-diver-photography
