Black Tile is a thoughtful restoration and contemporary flint extension set in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Nestled in the historic village and conservation area of Firle meant a traditional approach was required to the main house. This grade II listed house came with many challenges and underwent a full renovation.
Special care and attention was taken throughout. The renewal and re-attachment of the mathematical tiles on the front elevation was a true labour of love. The works involved embraced traditional ways of construction and sourced materials that were appropriate to the application. Extensive research was required even down to sourcing the coving and architraves to match the existing. The garage, pool and gardens were also renovated and landscaped.
The contemporary flint extension needed to sit within the traditional material palette of the house, but to be architecturally differently enough to stand aside from the traditional vernacular of the listed building. The main principle is to make a clear delineation between what is new and what is old rather that incorporate a pastiche of the existing building. The extension sympathetically and seamlessly connects with the existing traditional flint of the grade II listed building, without overpowering or jarring with the existing form.
Fine craftsmanship by Flintman has created a contemporary aesthetic, with beautifully detailed knapped flint corners instead of traditional brick quoins. The sleek flat roof extension has large sliding doors and roof lights allowing for much needed light. While the oriel window gives a stunning window seat and framed views into the garden.
Photos by Daisy Wingate-Saul / Leigh Simpson
Stuart Paine worked on a much needed renovation and extension of my Grade II listed house in Firle. The village is part of the Firle Estate who own most of the houses in the village (and who have a covenant to approve any planning approvals on the house) and it is in a Conservation area. Getting the planning for a much needed extension was always going to be difficult and Stuart’s modern but complementary design completely satisfied myself, the Estate, Conservation officers and the South Downs National Park Authority. The complete renovation of the house itself proved difficult as there had been a previous renovation done on the house and they had not replaced and installed the battens behind the tiles correctly. This meant they had slipped considerably and needed sorting out, the tiles were very old and many had broken, they were hard to replicate and Stuart and the contractor diligently found similar replacement tiles, which I was delighted with. Stuart navigated the listed building consent and the outcome has enhanced the original integrity of the house which sits in a very visible position in the middle of the village. Stuart’s management of this protracted project has been seamless and his attention to detail has resulted in a really beautiful marriage of old and new.
Black Tile House was shortlisted for the Listed Property Awards 2024.
Small scale residential awards 2023 ‘highly commended’.
