Welcome to Mill Hill, a project focused on developing a modern, sustainable home in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our aim is to transform the Mill Hill site into a low-energy dwelling that prioritises renewable energy, water, and materials while seamlessly integrating into its beautiful surroundings. We are committed to using advanced technologies and thoughtful design to create a home that meets contemporary living standards while enhancing the natural landscape and respecting dark skies policies.
Mill Hill is situated at the end of a private country lane on the outskirts of rural village. The site is characterised by mature trees, a sloping landscape, and stunning views across the South Downs. The existing house, built in the 1930s with additions in the 1990s, is a long, narrow structure with many internal staircases and corridors, resulting in a cluttered and impractical layout. This visually incoherent building, with its awkward internal spaces and numerous hallways and interconnected rooms, necessitates complete redevelopment to meet modern standards.
Our proposed changes involve the demolition of the existing building to make way for a thoughtfully designed two-storey eco-home. The new design will feature a reconfigured layout that provides improved connectivity between spaces, maximising the outstanding views while offering shelter from strong winds. The improved driveway approach and landscaped green amenity spaces at the front and rear of the house will enhance the overall aesthetic.
The materials chosen for this project are carefully selected to complement the natural surroundings while promoting sustainability. We have chosen a flint base, a traditional material prevalent in Sussex, to ground the house within the landscape. The natural timber cladding, with its vertical black slats, reflects the tree-lined environment and echoes historical buildings in the village. Our choice of dark grey zinc roofing provides a sleek, modern finish, allowing for discreet photovoltaic panels. The slimline aluminium framed windows, in anthracite grey, offer a high-quality, energy-efficient solution. By engaging local specialists for the flint work and sourcing timber responsibly, we ensure that our material selection not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also supports local craftsmanship and sustainability.
Our eco-home design follows passive design principles and exceeds current building regulations. We aim to achieve an EPC band A rating, significantly improving upon the current energy performance. The design incorporates several key strategies to enhance sustainability:
The Mill Hill project is a meticulously designed, low-impact development that enhances the natural beauty of the South Downs while providing a modern, healthy living environment for a contemporary family. Our commitment to sustainability, combined with thoughtful material selection and advanced technologies, ensures that the new dwelling is environmentally friendly and visually sympathetic to its surroundings.
