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.

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• Air Source Heat Pump: A renewable energy system that efficiently heats and cools the home.
• Solar PV Panels: Harnessing solar power to reduce reliance on the grid.
• Whole House Ventilation with Heat Recovery: Ensuring fresh air circulation while maintaining energy efficiency.
• Sustainable Materials: Built with eco-friendly materials to minimise the home’s carbon footprint.
• EPC Rating A: A testament to the home’s top-tier energy performance.

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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.

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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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We are thrilled to unveil the conceptual designs for Wild Brook Barn, an innovative project aimed at enhancing biodiversity and sustainability. Utilising a detailed 3D render, we have brought our plan and vision to life, showcasing our commitment to a greener future.

Wild Brook Barn embraces the national Biodiversity Net Gain policy, integrating features that harmonise with the natural environment. Our design includes natural pools surrounded by aquatic plants and a variety of native tree species. These elements are carefully selected to enrich the landscape and provide vital habitats for local wildlife, fostering a thriving ecosystem.

With the recent introduction of the national Biodiversity Net Gain planning policy, we are committed to creating a truly biodiverse dwelling and gardens that complement this policy rather than oppose it. Biodiversity can help communities adapt to climate change by increasing resilience to extreme weather conditions and improving air and water quality. The Biodiversity Net Gain policy aids in mitigating climate change through the restoration and protection of nature.

To increase biodiversity, we have incorporated a natural pool surrounded by aquatic filtration plants and oxygenator species. This pool forms a central focus of the house, creating a harmonious connection with nature and providing shelter. The house will be surrounded by native tree species and wildflower meadow grasses, establishing specific habitats for morning, midday, and afternoon. The building itself is predominantly single-storey and clad in black timber, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the wooded backdrop and surrounding landscape.

Follow us as this project develops.

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Thank you for the wonderful article on Black Timber House, South Downs National Park. You can read the full article here.
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The National Park’s Design Officer Rafa Grosso- Macpherson said: “The scheme sets a new bar for development on the edge of a village through thoughtful contextual architecture that demonstrates an exemplary use of timber and is enhanced by sensitive landscaping.”

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If you would like to know more about Black Timber House do take a look at the project here.

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We are excited to announce that Black Timber House has been shortlisted for the @architectsjournal Awards, project under £500K category.

We had a vision to create a striking eco house in the heart of the South Downs National Park that would stand the test of time, using local and sustainable materials whilst using passive ways to reduce energy consumption. The result is Black Timber House in Rodmell.

“From the onset Hapa listened and understood my brief. We collaborated fully from feasibility design, through to completion of the house including project management. They incorporated my initial thoughts whilst adding design details I hadn’t even contemplated which enhanced my ideas and made the best possible use of the plot and surrounding area.

Throughout this process they listened to any concerns I had and sought to find a solution that satisfied me as a client, the budget and the builder, whilst keeping an integrity of design, not always easy.

In terms of quality of work, timeliness and cost management I could not recommend them more highly. Unforeseen circumstances have always been mitigated by innovative solutions which have demonstrated their architectural design competence. I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.”

Contractor: Brian Huntly Builders
Photos: Jim Stephenson

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RIBA Southeast Awards

Amazing to have a double win for Black Timber House. Winning both the RIBA Southeast Regional award, and Small Project of the Year award. What a wonderful accomplishment and we feel honored to be amongst such great design and practices. It was a great night that the RIBA put on, looking forward to the National Awards!

Do take a look at our Awards page to see other projects noted for their design and innovation.

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