Black Timber House began with a simple ambition: to create a contemporary family home that sat comfortably within the landscape of the South Downs National Park while achieving exceptional environmental performance.

The site, located at the end of a quiet country lane in Rodmell, offered stunning views across the Downs and surrounding meadows. From the outset, our aim was to create a building that felt connected to its setting, responding to both the landscape and the changing seasons.

Responding to the Site

Rather than imposing a building onto the site, we looked for ways to embed the house within its surroundings. Large picture windows frame carefully selected views, while the overall form helps create sheltered outdoor spaces and a strong relationship between inside and outside.

The house is composed of two stacked volumes, creating overhangs and covered areas that add depth and shadow to the architecture.

A Carefully Considered Material Palette

The striking black exterior is created using charred English larch, finished using the traditional Yakisugi method. Beyond its visual impact, the process improves durability and weather resistance while celebrating the natural character of the timber.

The timber is complemented by slate roofing, natural copper rainwater goods and timber-lined reveals, creating a material palette that will age gracefully over time.

Designing for Energy Performance

Sustainability was fundamental to the project from the beginning.

The house employs passive solar design principles, excellent levels of insulation, airtight construction, solar PV panels, MVHR and an Air Source Heat Pump. Together these measures contributed to an EPC rating of A and significantly reduced the building’s operational energy demand.

The Outcome

Black Timber House demonstrates how contemporary architecture can be both environmentally responsible and deeply connected to its landscape. The project was recognised with both a RIBA South East Award and Small Project of the Year Award, reflecting the success of the design approach and the quality of the finished home.

View the full project here: Black Timber House

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether it is possible to extend a listed building while respecting its historic character.

The short answer is yes. However, successful listed building projects require a careful balance between conservation, design and planning considerations.

Our work on Black Tile House in Firle demonstrates how contemporary architecture can sit comfortably alongside a historic building while enhancing its long-term future.

Understanding the Historic Significance

Before any design work begins, it is essential to understand what makes a listed building special.

This may include original materials, historic layouts, craftsmanship, setting and architectural character. Understanding these elements helps inform design decisions throughout the project.

Contemporary Doesn’t Mean Unsympathetic

At Black Tile House, we adopted a clear architectural distinction between old and new.

Rather than replicating historic detailing, the contemporary flint extension was designed to complement the listed building while remaining clearly identifiable as a modern intervention.

This approach is often favoured by conservation officers because it avoids creating a false sense of history.

Planning and Listed Building Consent

Listed building projects typically require close collaboration with planning officers, conservation specialists and other stakeholders.

Early engagement and a well-considered design strategy can significantly improve the planning process and help ensure a successful outcome.

Materials Matter

Material selection plays a critical role in heritage projects.

At Black Tile House, traditional flint, carefully restored mathematical tiles and high-quality craftsmanship helped create a seamless relationship between the original building and the new extension.

Improving Performance

Historic buildings can often be upgraded sensitively to improve comfort and efficiency without compromising their character.

Careful insulation strategies, improved services and thoughtful detailing can all contribute to better performance while preserving heritage value.

 

A Balance of Old and New

The most successful listed building projects do not seek to freeze a building in time. Instead, they respect its history while allowing it to evolve for modern living.

Black Tile House demonstrates how contemporary architecture and heritage conservation can work together to create something greater than either could achieve alone.

View the full project here: Black Tile House

 

Related Projects:

The Barn, Sussex

Old Rectory Cottage

Related Services:

House Extensions

Listed Buildings

We’re delighted to share some official photos from the Sussex Heritage Awards ceremony, where Old Rectory Cottage was recognised in the Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.

The event was a fantastic celebration of design, conservation and heritage in Sussex, bringing together architects, designers, craftspeople and clients whose projects all contribute to preserving and enhancing our region’s unique architectural character.

It was a privilege to see our architect, Stuart Paine, collecting the award from Lord Egremont, and to stand alongside so many talented teams whose work embodies thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

We’re incredibly proud that Old Rectory Cottage is part of this year’s inspiring line-up, and we remain grateful to everyone involved, including Gowing Build for helping us deliver a home that sensitively blends old and new, respects its context and champions sustainability.

Thank you again to the Sussex Heritage Trust for recognising the project and for hosting such a memorable evening.

You can read more about Old Rectory Cottage here and do take a look at our Awards page to see other projects noted for their design and innovation.