Reflections; All things Flint

Reflections on the Flint Course with David Smith

I’ve always been drawn to flint — its tactile quality, its texture, and the fact that it’s such a low-carbon material. There’s something timeless and grounding about it. Last week, David Scott and I (Wendy) had the incredible opportunity to attend a flint course led by none other than The Flint Man himself, David Smith.

I’ve been a fan of David’s work for many years, so getting to learn directly from him was a real privilege. The day was packed with fascinating facts, hands-on insights, and a deep dive into the beauty and practicality of flint. It’s taken my appreciation for the material and the art of working with Flint to a whole new level.

Whilst I wont be giving up the day job, or giving David a run for his money any time soon, we are buzzing with ideas and can’t wait to put this new knowledge into practice on several upcoming projects.

Bringing Flint to Life

Following on from our flint course we then attended our Retreat site in the South Downs. Here we are working with knapped flint. Lining the walls which are not wrapped in the landscape with this tactile and local material.

Here the skills and craftsmanship was brought to life. This ancillary space designed to complement the existing Sussex House. Here, we’re working with knapped flint, lining the walls of this low-carbon retreat with a material that is as tactile as it is timeless. The Retreat is more than just a building—it’s a space for gathering, reflection, and movement. Nestled between sculpted earth berms and set into the landscape, the structure is designed to disappear into its surroundings. A yoga terrace extends toward sweeping views of the South Downs, while natural grasses soften the stepped entrance, blending the architecture into the wild beauty of the site.

Flint plays a starring role in this narrative. Locally sourced and shaped by millennia, it offers a raw, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the corten canopy and delicate stone capping. The exposed flint walls are not only visually striking but also deeply sustainable—low-impact, durable, and rooted in place.

There’s something deeply grounding about working with flint. It connects us to the heritage of the land while supporting a modern architectural vision. The Retreat’s design reflects this duality—traditional craftsmanship meeting contemporary needs, all while celebrating the landscape it inhabits.

As we continue to shape this space, flint becomes more than a material. It becomes a symbol of thoughtful, eco-conscious design—an enduring connection between people, place, and the passage of time.