Lane End

Should I refurbish or rebuild? Is a question we are often asked. Our clients at Lane End asked us to design both options so they could consider all possibilities. Whilst we promote building reuse wherever possible to save carbon, sometimes the results will be too compromised by the layout and character of the existing, making reuse unviable.

Project & Environmental Data

Project Info

  • Location: High Weald, East Sussex
  • Designation: AONB
  • Image Credit: Richard Chivers

Awards

2020 ArchDaily Building of the Year Awards, Shortlisted

Environmental Data

  • Energy Efficiency
    1 2 3 4 5
  • Insulation
    1 2 3 4 5
  • Thermal Mass
    1 2
  • Airtightness
    1 2 3 4 5
  • Embodied Carbon
    1 2 3
  • Heating/Hot Water
    Electric Gas Ground Source Air Source
  • Solar Thermal
    Yes No
  • Rain Water Harvest
    Yes No
  • Ventilation
    MVHR Natural
  • Energy Storage
    Yes No

Our clients Sarah and John fell in love with the open plan design for their new home which would allow them to be immersed in the views of the South Downs by inhabiting spaces both inside and around their home. Sarah had a special request – she wanted a refuge to hide away and escape from the world, so we created the nest, a hidden daybed where you can read a book, or drink a Gin and Tonic and maybe dream a little whilst watching the weather rolling across the South Downs.

We question our clients, the site, the design, we question techniques, materials, and collaborators. By constantly questioning we are always learning and improving, pushing our designs forward to ensure we are at the forefront of our practice.

We believe that quality architecture adds value, both emotional and financial. Our architecture enhances your sense of well-being, the value of which is difficult to quantify in monetary terms. Our design skill, knowledge and tenacity also add financial value as the benefit of realising quality design increases the value of a site and maximises your investment.

Stunning views of woodland are one of the highlights of this three-bedroom timber-frame house, situated on the edge of the South Downs. PAD Studio designed the 185 square metre property with a highly insulated timber frame to minimise the environmental impact of the build, specifying materials to reduce the project’s embodied carbon footprint.

. . . Grand Designs Magazine, 10 Terrific Homes . . .

Textile designer Sarah was intimately involved, project managing the low-energy construction and even polishing the concrete floors herself. Her creative eye and talent is evident in the stylish interior and subtle crafted details which make this home so bespoke, and one that resonates with personality.

The timber frame was selected for reasons of buildability, high thermal performance, low carbon impact and issues around the restricted site access,’ says Wendy Perring, design director of the practice. Wood shingles, sourced from local and renewable suppliers, clad the exterior to complement the Arts and Crafts style of houses in the local area. Many of the interior walls have been lined with pale Douglas fir boards, which helps to reflect light around the space.

. . . Grand Designs Magazine, 10 Terrific Homes . . .

Sarah had a special request – she wanted a special place to hide away and retreat from the world, so we created the nest, a hidden daybed