Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed to design a new-build house on a sloping garden site in Ovingdean, East Sussex. The new contemporary home was created in the subdivided garden of an existing bungalow, which itself underwent significant redevelopment as part of the wider scheme.

The challenging L-shaped, sloping site was split into two plots. The existing bungalow retained its position at the front, while the new single-storey dwelling was positioned at the lower end of the garden, accessed via a newly formed private driveway. The new home adopts a T-shaped plan form, allowing efficient zoning of internal spaces and making the most of the site’s orientation and topography.

Planning approval followed a detailed and complex process, concluding with committee approval. One key condition was the delivery of high environmental performance. The new dwelling achieved Level 4 under the Code for Sustainable Homes, incorporating highly insulated, airtight construction, solar shading, and energy-efficient systems throughout.

Large south-facing windows flood the internal spaces with light while external solar shading helps reduce summertime overheating. The carefully selected material palette—local brickwork and composite cladding—ensures both durability and contextual sensitivity, designed to age well over time.

The steep site presented numerous logistical challenges, particularly around excavation, material transport, and retaining structures. The architectural response carefully navigated these constraints with minimal disruption to the existing landscape.

Photos by D+R