The Retreat at Sussex House
Crafting a low carbon retreat for this established house, Sussex House, in the South Downs to facilitate a gym & yoga studio sought a different response to the landscape demonstrated with the main house. Taking reference from the landscape, the layers of the main house and the heritage of the area to look at a response which nestles into the shaped landscape.
“The Downs…too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness.” – Virginia Woolf
Project Info
- Location: South Downs
- Cost: £0.8 Million
- Designation: National Park, Area of Outstanding Beauty, Agricultural Rural Countryside
- Collaborators: Whaleback, Nicholls Countryside Construction, Andy Sturgeon Landscape, MESH
Environmental Data
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Energy Efficiency
1 2 3 4 5 6
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Thermal Mass
1 2 3 4 5 6
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Solar PV
1 2 3 4 5 6
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Embodied Carbon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Heating/Hot Water
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Solar Thermal
Yes No
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Rain Water Harvest
Yes No
- Ventilation
-
Energy Storage
Yes No
The clients brief was to integrate an ancillary building in the grounds which would offer a place of escape and retreat. A space to immerse themselves into the landscape whilst gathering, working or exercising. Separate from the main house but a connection piece on the journey to the swimming pool. The space sought to frame the views out across the South Downs from the path, creating a focal point on the journey to celebrate the vantage point the site is afforded.
A complete juxtaposition to the lightweight glass base of the main Sussex House the gym is nestled between two earth berms which wrap up and over. A yoga terrace extends out towards the views but is still nestled within the earth providing shelter and privacy.
Exposed sections of wall are flint work with a delicate capping and corten canopy providing solar shading to the south opening.
Natural grasses soften the stepped entrance and blend into the wider landscape. Tall grasses are celebrated against the knapped flint walls which is capped with a natural stone coping. The glazed entrance is subtle and provides a framed view out across the landscape. Set down into the landscape the extracted soil is used to reshape the mounds.
Internally a crafted interactive wall supports the facilities and storage for the gym space. Providing a natural textured backdrop for the activities. Clever detailing and joinery features save space and are efficient.
