timber Archives - HAPA Architects https://hapa-architects.co.uk/tag/timber/ Brighton based architects Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:50:00 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://hapa-architects.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cropped-HAPA-ICON-32x32.png timber Archives - HAPA Architects https://hapa-architects.co.uk/tag/timber/ 32 32 Behind the Design: Fairview https://hapa-architects.co.uk/news/behind-the-design-fairview/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:50:00 +0000 https://hapa-architects.co.uk/?p=17679 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.

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]]> Behind the Design: Fairview

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.

fairview, lewes, hapa, house, architect, timber clad

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

Fairview, house, lewes, hapa, solar panels

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

Related Services:
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]]> Award Win for Old Rectory Cottage at the Sussex Heritage Awards https://hapa-architects.co.uk/news/award-win-for-old-rectory-cottage-at-the-sussex-heritage-awards/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:20:31 +0000 https://hapa-architects.co.uk/?p=16622 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.

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]]> Award Win for Old Rectory Cottage at the Sussex Heritage Awards

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.

Old rectory cottage extension

old rectory cottage extension

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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