Fairview is a replacement dwelling in Lewes that demonstrates how thoughtful design, sustainability and craftsmanship can transform an underperforming site into an exceptional family home.

The project replaced an existing chalet bungalow that no longer made the most of its remarkable position overlooking the floodplains of Lewes and Offham.

Making the Most of the Landscape

The site’s greatest asset was its setting.

The design was developed around capturing long-distance views while maximising natural daylight throughout the home. Large areas of glazing frame the landscape, creating a strong visual connection between the interior and the surrounding countryside.

The overlapping pitched forms help create a dynamic architectural composition while remaining sensitive to the scale of neighbouring buildings.

Reusing What Was Already There

An important part of the sustainability strategy was retaining and reusing the existing foundations wherever possible.

This reduced waste, minimised disruption to the site and significantly lowered the embodied carbon associated with construction.

Craftsmanship and Materiality

Externally, Fairview combines larch cladding, natural slate roofing and locally sourced flint to create a material palette rooted in the Sussex landscape.

Internally, oak joinery, timber flooring and carefully crafted details contribute warmth and character throughout the home.

Outstanding Energy Performance

The house achieves an EPC rating of A (104A), placing it amongst the highest performing homes in the UK.

A fabric-first approach is supported by solar PV panels, battery storage, MVHR, underfloor heating and an Air Source Heat Pump to create a highly efficient and comfortable living environment.

The Outcome

Fairview demonstrates how replacement dwellings can provide an opportunity to significantly improve both architectural quality and environmental performance while making the most of an exceptional site.

View the full project here: Fairview

Related Projects:
Black Timber House
The Brick Barn
Old Rectory Cottage

Related Services:
New Build Homes
Sustainable Homes

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

We are pleased to announce the completion of Warrick House, a new detached family home in Seaford, East Sussex, delivered on behalf of local developer Sparks Property.

Occupying a previously vacant plot within an established residential setting, the project has transformed an underutilised parcel of land into a distinctive, high-quality home that responds sensitively to its surroundings while providing contemporary living spaces for modern family life.

The design draws inspiration from the character of traditional Sussex homes, combining timeless architectural detailing with clean lines and carefully considered modern interventions. The result is a bespoke residence that balances period charm with the comfort, efficiency and flexibility expected of a new-build home.

Internally, the house has been arranged to maximise natural light and create a strong connection between living spaces and the surrounding landscape. Generous open-plan areas are complemented by more intimate rooms, offering a variety of spaces for family life, entertaining and home working.

Particular attention was paid to material selection and detailing, ensuring the home sits comfortably within its context while establishing its own identity. Traditional proportions, quality craftsmanship and contemporary finishes work together to create a home that feels both elegant and enduring.

As with all HAPA projects, sustainability formed an important part of the design process, with the home incorporating energy-efficient construction methods and fabric-first principles to reduce operational energy demand and support long-term environmental performance.

Warrick House demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the potential of small infill sites, delivering new homes that enhance their local setting while providing exceptional places to live.

Client: Sparks Property
Contractors: Chalmers & Co