Country House | Sussex
A contemporary retreat rooted in the landscape
Set within a large working farm estate in rural Sussex, this modern country house was designed as a spacious, energy-efficient home for our clients’ retirement — one that celebrates its connection to nature while offering exceptional comfort and performance.
The brief was to design a five-bedroom family home that would embrace the sweeping countryside views and blend naturally into the landscape. Planning permission was achieved for a generous 450m² dwelling, thanks to a thoughtful approach that made use of the sloping site: part of the accommodation is discreetly nestled into the hillside, reducing the building’s visual impact while giving all the primary rooms panoramic views of the lake and setting sun.
To further minimise scale and enhance harmony with the site, we divided the home into two offset wings, connected by a dramatic central stair atrium. The atrium features double-height sliding glass doors, allowing light to flood the interior and offering uninterrupted visual flow to the outdoors.
The home’s structure is built from cross-laminated timber (CLT), chosen for its exceptional strength, airtightness, and environmental credentials. Deep layers of natural insulation and a heat recovery ventilation system help the house maintain a stable internal temperature year-round, with very low energy demand.
Heating and hot water are supplied by a ground source heat pump, powered by roof-mounted solar PV panels, making the house largely self-sufficient in energy.
Materials were carefully selected to reflect the home’s rural setting and agricultural context. The lower levels are clad in locally sourced knapped flint, anchoring the building to the Sussex vernacular, while the upper levels and roof are finished in dark grey zinc, echoing nearby barns and outbuildings. Expansive glazing throughout the home ensures a deep biophilic connection with the landscape — where light, sky, and greenery are always part of the living experience.
"Mark came up with a wonderful design which maximises the natural attributes of our rural site”
Geoff & Gail Aucock
“Mark’s contribution has been invaluable. I have recommended him to others and I would be happy to work with him again”
Ruth Stoton
“Mark has been very straight-forward and professional and has given me sound practical advice.”
Roger Ross
“Working with Mark was a fantastic experience from start to finish. We couldn't have been happier with the end result.”
Andrew & Emma Wilkie
"It's his quiet confidence that makes you feel more confident about what it is you’re doing. We would definitely recommend working with Mark from Koru."
Adele O’Hehir
"Koru Architects have been a 'breath of fresh air’ in helping me develop my concept and taking this through to design."
Gino Fox
"Mark’s designs have been very innovative, making good use of a difficult site. His service has pleased me enormously!"
Herb Etkin
Ready to discuss a project? Get in touch today.
01273 204065
info@koruarchitects.co.uk
Studio 221, 91 Western Road,
Brighton and Hove, BN1 2NW
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