Start with the Building Fabric

One of the most important lessons is that sustainability begins with the building itself. High levels of insulation, excellent airtightness and careful detailing are often more important than any single piece of technology. A well-designed building envelope reduces energy demand throughout the life of the home, creating a comfortable internal environment while lowering running costs.

 

Passive Solar Design Matters

Understanding the path of the sun is fundamental. By positioning glazing carefully, we can maximise natural daylight and winter solar gain while minimising overheating during the summer months. At Black Timber House and Fairview, passive solar principles played a significant role in achieving excellent energy performance while creating bright and uplifting living spaces.

 

Technology Works Best When Demand Is Low

Air Source Heat Pumps, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), battery storage and solar PV systems can all contribute to reducing energy consumption. However, these technologies perform most effectively when paired with a highly efficient building fabric.

The goal is not simply to generate more energy but to need less energy in the first place.

 

Natural Materials Create Better Homes

Sustainable architecture is about more than energy performance. The use of natural materials such as timber, slate, flint and oak creates healthier and more enduring buildings that age gracefully and connect occupants to their surroundings.

 

Every Site Requires a Different Response

There is no single formula for sustainable architecture. A listed cottage, a replacement dwelling and a contemporary countryside home each require different solutions. What remains consistent is the need to balance environmental performance, architectural quality and the experience of living within the building.

 

Looking Forward

As building regulations continue to evolve and energy costs remain a consideration for homeowners, low-energy design is becoming increasingly important. Our experience across Sussex has shown that sustainable homes can be beautiful, comfortable and deeply connected to their setting while significantly reducing their environmental impact.

 

If you are considering a new build, renovation or extension project, we would be happy to discuss how sustainable design principles can be incorporated from the outset: info@hapa-architects.co.uk

 

Related Projects:

Black Timber House

The Brick Barn
Old Rectory Cottage

Fairview

 

Related Services:

Sustainable Homes

New Build Homes

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We’re delighted to share the transformation of Trenans, a once modest bungalow in the popular area of St Agnes, into a light-filled, contemporary and energy-efficient family home.

Before
The original property offered two bedrooms and a study, sitting on a generous plot with ample parking and three garages. While clearly well loved, the house was in need of updating throughout. The layout felt constrained, with small kitchen and living areas that did not make the most of the available space or the connection to the garden. Heating was provided by a basic electric system, and the building envelope offered limited insulation.

After
A rear extension and full eco-retrofit have transformed Trenans into a spacious and future-ready three-bedroom home. The reconfigured layout now features a bright open-plan kitchen and living space, where a large picture window frames views of the garden and fills the room with natural light. Bifold doors open out from both the kitchen and living room, creating a seamless connection to the outdoor terrace and turning the heart of the home into a versatile indoor-outdoor family space.

The rear extension and existing back elevation have been clad in black timber to create a crisp, contemporary appearance. The rest of the house has been externally insulated and re-rendered, significantly improving thermal performance.

A new air source heat pump now provides low-carbon heating and hot water, and the existing garage has also been reclad to sit comfortably within the updated context. The surrounding garden has been re-landscaped to provide a welcoming and functional outdoor area for family life.

What was once a compact bungalow is now a generous and energy-conscious home, carefully updated to meet the needs of modern living.

The post Before & After: Trenan’s Transformation in St Agnes, Cornwall appeared first on HAPA Architects.

We are proud to share the near completion of our Fairview project – a contemporary, low-energy family home that has achieved an exceptional EPC rating of A – 104A.

Fairview was conceived as a high-performance home that sits lightly on the land, both literally and environmentally. The new dwelling was designed to sit on the existing foundations and follow the original footprint of a previously altered and inefficient chalet bungalow. By reusing these foundations and maximising the site’s potential, we created a sustainable home tailored to contemporary family life. for more about how we incorporate sustainability and low energy architecture into our projects, take a look here.

With spectacular views to the north-east over the floodplains of Lewes and Offham, the previous dwelling failed to take full advantage of its location. Internally, it was compromised with small windows, dark rooms and a layout that had been adjusted many times over the years. It was also extremely energy-hungry and in need of comprehensive renovation.

Our approach focused on transforming the site into a bright, open and healthy living environment, supported by a suite of integrated sustainable technologies and fabric-first design.

Key sustainable features include:

• Home battery storage

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

• A 9kWp solar PV array

• Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)

• Underfloor heating throughout

• Very low U-values for walls, roof and glazing

• Passive solar design and careful orientation

With a total internal area of 216 m², the house has been designed to connect more meaningfully with its surrounding landscape. The new design makes better use of external amenity spaces, including new terrace surfaces and landscaping. Glazing to the north-east has been carefully positioned to maximise views and natural light while retaining privacy thanks to the elevated and set-back nature of the site.

Alterations to the existing garage have created a flexible gym space with further views to the landscape beyond. The result is a carefully considered, low-energy family home that delivers high standards of environmental performance without compromising on quality of materials, spatial experience or liveability.

Fairview is a demonstration of how thoughtful, sustainable architecture can improve both the performance and enjoyment of a home, and we are delighted to see it delivered to such a high standard. For more information on new build homes take a look here.

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We are delighted to announce that Black Timber House received a Highly Commended recognition in the Residential category at the 2024 South Downs National Park (SDNP) Design Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights the house’s thoughtful design and its commitment to environmental sustainability within one of the UK’s most cherished landscapes.

The SDNP Design Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate exceptional design and make a significant contribution to the quality of the local environment. The 2024 awards recognised innovation across multiple categories, including Residential, Non-residential, Landscape, Conservation, and the People’s Choice Award.

Black Timber House, nestled within the South Downs near Rodmell, is a project that embodies architectural harmony with the environment. The house was conceived to blend naturally into the surrounding landscape of ash trees and rolling meadows, ensuring that it complements, rather than competes with, its setting. The design incorporates materials that reflect the beauty of the natural world, with a striking exterior of charred black timber and natural wood elements.

As the judges noted:
“The use of charred black timber and natural wood celebrates the beauty of the environment. At its core, Black Timber House champions sustainability. Utilising advanced technologies, the house minimises energy consumption and its carbon footprint.”

Sustainability was central to the project from the outset. The house utilises FSC® certified timber, ensuring the materials are responsibly sourced, and incorporates advanced technologies that significantly reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the ethos of the South Downs National Park, which places a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainable living. For more information about our sustainable and low energy architecture take a look here.

We would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted projects at the event. It was an inspiring celebration of design excellence, innovation, and a shared passion for enhancing our local environments.

We are honoured to have been recognised among such outstanding projects and look forward to continuing our work in sustainable, landscape-conscious design. Do take a look at our Awards page to see other projects noted for their design and innovation.

You can view the full Black Timber House project here.

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We are thrilled to announce that our Black Timber House has been featured in Susan Redman’s latest book, ‘Modern Houses in Black’, available July 2024. This book highlights 28 breathtaking black homes from around the globe, celebrating the elegance and sophistication of contemporary residential architecture. With stunning visuals and in-depth interviews with architects, it is an essential read for design enthusiasts.

Our Black Timber House exemplifies the best in modern, sustainable architecture, delivering high thermal and energy efficiency. Key features of the home include:

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels for self-generated power
• High-efficiency air source heat pump and low-temperature underfloor heating
• High thermal mass heat sink floors for optimal energy use
• Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR)
• Passive solar design, high levels of insulation, and air tightness measures

Achieving an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the Black Timber House is a standout example of sustainable living.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this inspiring collection and see our very own Black Timber House among these architectural masterpieces.

The post Black Timber House Featured in New Book! appeared first on HAPA Architects.

We are thrilled to announce that our project, the Black Timber House, has been nominated for the South Downs National Park Design Awards in the Residential category. Following the success of the inaugural awards in 2019, the Design Awards return to celebrate exceptional contributions to landscape, heritage, built environments, and local communities.

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, this striking new build features charred black timber cladding, large picture windows, and a design that harmonises with its natural surroundings. The house stands out for its unique aesthetic and sustainable approach, using the Yakisugi method for added durability and beauty.

See the Black Timber project here.

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A Modern Low-Energy Home in Lewes Takes Shape

The Fairview Project is making significant progress as the steel structure of this contemporary dwelling is now complete, revealing the form of two pitched volumes. Nestled in the historic town of Lewes, Fairview offers stunning views over the Sussex countryside and the flood plains of Lewes and Offham.

A Vision for Sustainable Living

Commissioned by clients with a vision for a low-energy, contemporary home, the Fairview Project aims to utilise the existing foundations while respecting the footprint of the previous house. The objective is to create high-quality living spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture and environment, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Key features of the design include:

• Area: 216 m²
• Energy Efficiency: The new home is a low-energy eco-house designed to minimise energy consumption and promote sustainable living.
• External Amenity Spaces: Improved surfaces and terrace spaces enhance the usability of outdoor areas.
• Optimised Views and Light: The north-east elevation glazing, both at the ground and first floors, is strategically placed to optimise views and natural light while maintaining privacy due to the elevated and set-back nature of the site

Stay Tuned for More Updates

To follow the Fairview.journey and stay updated with the latest developments follow our Instagram account @hapa_architects

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At HAPA Architects, we’re excited to share the completion of our latest project: the renovation and extension of Old Rectory Cottage in Barcombe. Our team approached this project with a clear goal in mind: to address circulation issues, enhance accommodation, and preserve the charm of the historic core of the original structure. Here’s a closer look at how we transformed this beautiful property.

Revitalising the Historic Core

Old Rectory Cottage has a rich history and a cozy charm that we aimed to restore. Previous piecemeal extensions had disrupted the layout, so our first step was to remove these outdated additions. This allowed us to create a light and spacious kitchen-dining room, which we sunk into the ground to establish a level threshold between the interior and the garden terrace. The centrepiece of this space is a large wall of sliding glazed doors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living and offering stunning views of the South Downs and the surrounding landscape. For additional information regarding listed projects and those within the conservation area please take a look here.

Creating Inviting Spaces

We also added an expansive family sunroom on the ground floor, featuring a cantilever oriel window with an oak-clad window seat. This inviting reading nook is bathed in natural light and frames beautiful views of the outdoors. The existing porch was extended slightly, and we introduced Crittall style doors leading to a central hallway with a bespoke oak staircase. This staircase, crafted from oak with black metal spindles and a gently curved handrail, contrasts elegantly with the concrete floor tiles by Maria Starling.

Thoughtful First Floor Expansion

On the first floor, we added new rooms strategically positioned partly above the flat roof extension, forming a striking ‘M’ shaped roof. The first-floor extension is clad in slate to match the existing roofing, maintaining architectural cohesion. We also incorporated three large zinc-clad contemporary dormer windows, which add light to the upper rooms and create a compelling feature on this elevation.

Sustainable Design at Its Core

Sustainability was a cornerstone of this project. We aimed to create a low-energy dwelling through innovative design, sustainable practices, and modern technology. All existing walls were insulated to enhance energy efficiency while preserving the historic aesthetic of the main south-facing elevation. The new build elements feature high levels of insulation and passive solar design principles, minimising heat loss and promoting natural heating.

To combat high summer temperatures, we incorporated a cantilevered roof to shade the large glazed section, reducing solar heat gain and enhancing indoor comfort. Additionally, a large part of the ground floor benefits from underfloor heating powered by an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), providing efficient low-temperature heating.

For more information about Sustainable design, take a look here.

Emphasis on Quality Materials

We prioritised sustainable and visually appealing materials to enhance both the aesthetic and environmental performance of Old Rectory Cottage. The timber cladding, sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), showcases the natural beauty of larch wood. This cladding contrasts beautifully with the dark slate used for the first-floor cladding and roof, adding depth and texture to the exterior facade.

Conclusion

Through meticulous design and craftsmanship, HAPA Architects has revitalised Old Rectory Cottage, blending modern contemporary design with timeless elegance while respecting its architectural vernacular. We’re proud of this transformation and look forward to creating more exceptional spaces in the future.

Photos by Jim Stephenson

For more information about this project take a look at the Old Rectory Cottage page here. Or to discuss your own renovation needs, please contact us at: info@hapa-architects.co.uk

The post HAPA Architects Completes Stunning Renovation of Old Rectory Cottage, Barcombe appeared first on HAPA Architects.

Located in the beautiful landscape of Barcombe, East Sussex, we’ve been hard at work on our latest project — a thoughtful renovation of an existing cottage, new extension and consolidation of previous extensions – marrying the old with the new.

At the heart of the project is a spacious side extension, housing a contemporary kitchen/dining area and communal space. Clad in larch, the extension seamlessly integrates with the stunning South Downs views, harmonizing modern design with the beauty of natural materials.

Keen to preserve the cottage’s history and character, we are dedicated to creating a harmonious blend of traditional features and modern functionality. The renovation reflects our commitment to sustainable and sympathetic yet contemporary design.

Stay tuned for updates as this project finishes.

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We collaborated fully from feasibility design, through to completion of the house including project management. In terms of quality of work, timeliness and cost management I could not recommend them more highly (Louise – Black Timber House)

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