Remount

A Contemporary Home Along the River Rother

Remount is a contemporary replacement dwelling within the South Downs National Park near Petersfield, designed to replace a derelict bungalow with a sustainable family home that celebrates its unique riverside setting.

Located alongside the River Rother and surrounded by the historic buildings of the Old Mill, the design responds carefully to both the landscape and the site's rich local character. The architecture is contemporary in expression yet rooted in its context, creating a home that feels entirely connected to its surroundings.

Designed Around the Landscape

The house is arranged as a series of simple linear forms that reflect the character of the surrounding buildings while framing panoramic views across the river and countryside.

Living spaces open towards the eastern landscape through generous areas of glazing, creating a strong visual and physical connection with the outdoors. The internal layout is carefully organised to balance open family spaces with quieter private accommodation, while rooflights draw natural light deep into the centre of the home.

Every aspect of the design has been considered to strengthen the relationship between architecture and landscape, allowing the changing seasons and the movement of light to become part of everyday life.

Materiality

The building combines a restrained palette of handmade brick, Western Red Cedar and standing seam zinc, creating a contemporary interpretation of the local vernacular.

Natural timber softens the building within its wooded setting, while brick references the historic character of the surrounding mill buildings. Together, the materials create a timeless composition that will continue to weather gracefully within the landscape.

Sustainability by Design

Environmental performance informed the project from the outset. The house is orientated to maximise passive solar gain while carefully managing summer overheating through considered glazing and shading.

The structure uses Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF), providing exceptional thermal performance, reduced construction waste and long-term energy efficiency. Renewable technologies, including an air source heat pump, rainwater harvesting and sustainable drainage systems, further reduce the home's environmental impact while supporting comfortable, low-energy living.

Contemporary Architecture Rooted in Place

Remount demonstrates how contemporary architecture can enhance sensitive rural settings through careful planning, robust environmental thinking and a deep understanding of place.

The result is a sustainable family home that draws inspiration from the River Rother, the surrounding landscape and the area's historic character, creating architecture that feels both confidently modern and intrinsically connected to its setting.