New Family Home | Sussex
From bungalow to beautifully crafted eco-home
Ruth and Alex had a vision: to create a spacious, sustainable home for their growing family in the heart of a picturesque Sussex village. They bought a modest bungalow with plans to add a second storey — but when the local planners turned down their proposal, their dream looked like it might end before it began.
A creative solution
We proposed an alternative approach: to build a brand-new house at the front of the plot, in line with neighbouring properties. The revised design was approved, and Alex — a hands-on self-builder — set to work. The family lived in the existing bungalow during construction, which was later replaced by a stylish living room extension and a swimming pool.
Natural materials, exceptional performance
The new timber-framed home is super-insulated and built to high sustainability standards, using natural insulation and low-toxicity interior finishes to create a healthy indoor environment. An air-source heat pump provides energy-efficient heating, hot water, and warms the swimming pool — all while keeping operational emissions low.
Rooted in place
Clad in larch that has mellowed to a silvery patina and topped with slate and sedum roofs, the home blends beautifully with the surrounding village vernacular. Natural materials were carefully chosen not only for their performance, but for their low embodied carbon and timeless character.
Ruth & Alex reflect:
“The home is very comfortable to live in, and we wouldn’t change anything about the materials chosen for the construction.”
"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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