Related Projects:
Old Rectory Cottage
The Brick Barn
Fairview

Related Services:
New Build Homes
Sustainable Homes

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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

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We’re delighted to announce that Old Rectory Cottage has won an award at this year’s Sussex Heritage Awards. Our project was recognised in the Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category, and we feel truly honoured to be in the company of so many talented designers and outstanding schemes.

The awards celebrate thoughtful design, craftsmanship and the preservation of our region’s unique architectural heritage, values that have been at the heart of this project from the start. To see other listed projects and those in a conservation area do take a look here.

Located within a conservation area in East Sussex, Old Rectory Cottage has been carefully reimagined to improve natural light, enhance circulation and sensitively extend the original home to create generous, flexible family spaces. Sustainability was a central focus throughout, with the use of repurposed materials, FSC-certified larch cladding, underfloor heating powered by an Air Source Heat Pump and a 10kWp solar array with battery storage. The result is a low-energy, future-ready home that still honours its historic character. Sustainability and eco architure are woven into all our projects, to find out more about this take a look here.

We’re incredibly proud of the team effort behind this project and would like to give a special mention to the fantastic work by our contractors Gowing Build.

We’re grateful to the Sussex Heritage Trust for this recognition, and we’re pleased to share the judges’ comments:

“A well-designed extension to the existing house, which manages to seamlessly blend the old with the new. Good sense of scale and proportion with excellent choice of materials results in a pleasing, comfortable home that relates well to the site and the existing building.”

Thank you to everyone who helped make Old Rectory Cottage what it is today – a sustainable, welcoming home that celebrates the best of old and new. Do take a look at our Awards page to see other projects noted for their design and innovation.

Read more about Old Rectory Cottage here.

Photos by: www.clickclickjim.com

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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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Thank you for the interview and article on Black Tile House RIBA Journal. You can read the full article here.
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“Master craftsmen were key to the restoration and extension of the grade II-listed Black Tile House in East Sussex, adding cosiness and context to a sympathetic design”

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To learn more about Black Tile House take a look at the project here.

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Black Tile House received a highly commended in the Small Scale Residential category at the Sussex Heritage Awards 2023. The house underwent meticulous restoration, blending its historic character with modern design elements. Located in Firle, Sussex, Black Tile House beautifully combines its original tile facade with a contemporary flint extension. The restoration work involved sourcing authentic materials and skilled craftsmen to preserve the house’s grandeur. To see other listed projects and those in a conservation area do take a look here.

The addition of the contemporary flint extension serves as a striking addition to Black Tile House. Gaining a deep understanding of the property’s historical significance, we carefully blended traditional building techniques with innovative elements and design.

The Sussex Heritage Awards is held annually, and celebrates remarkable projects that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Sussex’s architectural heritage. We were honored to be in the mix of such varied and beautiful projects across Sussex. Do take a look at our Awards page to see other projects noted for their design and innovation.

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“The Grade 2 listed flint extension and restoration was a labour of love in the historic village of Firle”

www.bdonline.co.uk/news/in-pictures-hapa-architects-unveils-black-tile-house/5120697.article

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