Fairview is a new contemporary, low-energy home in Lewes that replaces an existing chalet bungalow which no longer made the most of its remarkable setting overlooking the floodplains of Lewes and Offham.
Designed for a couple whose children have grown up and moved out, the brief was to create a comfortable and sustainable family home that would make full use of the site’s north-east aspect and views, while reusing the existing foundations to reduce environmental impact. The result is a calm, light-filled home that responds sensitively to its landscape.
The house is composed of two pitched volumes that overlap and project slightly at the upper level, creating a small cantilever at the front and a large one with a balcony at the back that brings balance and a sense of movement to the form. The layout makes best use of natural light and orientation, opening the living spaces to the landscape and a large terrace that extends from the kitchen over the garage and annex.
Careful consideration was given to the relationship between inside and out, with large areas of glazing framing views across the floodplains and improving the connection between the home and its surroundings.
Fairview combines an off-site fabricated steel frame with timber infill panels, ensuring precision and efficiency during construction. The existing foundations were fully retained and a small section added to the front, reducing waste and disturbance to the site.
Externally, the house is clad in larch finished with Sioo:x, paired with a natural slate roof. Locally sourced flint defines the ground floor elevation at the entrance, providing texture and permanence. Internally, natural materials create warmth and continuity, with timber floors throughout, a bespoke oak staircase, and handcrafted joinery including a kitchen by Ledbury.
Fairview places strong emphasis on energy performance and environmental design. The home achieves an EPC rating of A 104A, among the highest levels of domestic efficiency in the UK.
A series of integrated systems work together to minimise energy demand and create a healthy living environment:
These measures ensure Fairview performs efficiently throughout the year while maintaining comfort and connection to its setting.
Fairview demonstrates how the careful reuse of existing structures, thoughtful material choices and a fabric-first approach can produce a highly efficient, contemporary home that is both enduring and responsive to place. It is a considered piece of architecture that balances performance, craftsmanship and landscape.
Photos by Oliver Perrott