Description:

Situated in a protected natural landscape, this residential renovation and annex project proved a welcome challenge to us at Deacon and Richardson. The brief was to design additional flexible accommodation which would complement the existing property. Our client wanted the design to reflect the agricultural setting of their home and embrace its beautiful surroundings and hilltop location.

Our first task was to plan out the refurbishment of the existing home. With a few internal walls removed, we created a layout which opened up this single-storey building. Removing the flat ceilings to the living room and kitchen makes them feel grander. Externally the whole building is to be wrapped in corrugated metal. Protecting the building from the elements in its exposed location, and reflecting the agricultural buildings found locally.

The second aspect of the scheme was to create additional accommodation in an existing outbuilding. Our client wanted this to be linked with the main dwelling, but able to operate independently if required. With a modest extension, we designed a new one-bedroom annex with a kitchen and bathroom. New large format windows have been inserted to the south east, to make the most of the spectacular views. Again the building is clad in metal, this time a weathering steel. The differing materials separate the building into individual building forms. Planning permission was received early 2024 and we look forward to developing this scheme further.

We have also completed other agricultural conversions in Lewes, including this stable building.