Remount

Remount is a modern one-off house which celebrates the surrounding landscape and creates a relationship with the scenic River Rother within the South Downs National Park.

The intention of the project was to replace a derelict bungalow with a contemporary family dwelling focusing on sustainability. Given the location of the project, and the clients long standing history within the area, it was important for any design to emphasise the natural surroundings and be considerate of the local built context.

The development of the project was rooted in the sites riparian character, with the design prioritising a strong relationship to the river. With the typography of the site, it was important for the dwelling to have a light touch within the landscape, whilst taking design inspiration from the forms of the listed buildings surrounding the Old Mill. The linear nature of the immediate context lent itself creating a bespoke residential typology that framed the landscape as a panorama, whilst maximising light in the morning and evening.

Upon entering the house, an immediate division of the ground floor is noticeable, with the north wing focusing on utility spaces, and the south wing garnering the social gathering spaces. Divided by a central staircase, the east side of the building maximises views out of the dwelling through large format glazing that connects the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. As you make your way onto the first floor, the space is again divided, with the north wing containing a master suite and balcony overlooking the river, with a further 3 bedrooms zoned within the south wing. With the first floor maximising views into the natural surroundings, the movement axis through the dwelling is lit by west facing roof lights offering diffused light during the day and direct light in the evening.

Further environmental benefits designed into the building are observed in the use of sustainable and vernacular materials. Coupled with passive strategies aimed at addressing water consumption and recycling, including rainwater harvesting and vegetative SuDs, the dwelling aims to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources such as air source heat pumps. With the design intentionally orientated, the building makes use of the large format glazing for solar heat gain, with ‘designed in’ elements included to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Sustainability is also at the core of the primary structure through the use of insulating concrete formwork. A modern method of construction, ICF helps the property achieve high levels of environmental and thermal performance, highlighted by its ability to produce almost no waste during assembly. With the ability to have a wide array of materials applied to its surface, the design intends to create cohesion with the warm, earthy tones seen in the immediate landscape. Western Red Cedar Timber becomes the primary cladding for the dwelling which is rooted in the surrounding natural environment, whilst handmade red clay bricks speak to the historic built context surrounding the site. A standing seam zinc roof adds a contemporary refresh to the property that becomes a transitionary space between urban and rural environments.

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