Horsham House

The design rationale is informed by the site location, context and physical constraints, most notably a 'stand-off zone' 4m either side of a public sewer that runs down the middle of the garden. The only developable land, outside of the public sewer stand-off zone, is a relatively small strip against the Northern boundary. It is thin at the Eastern end but much wider towards the beautiful large Oak tree at the Western end.

We developed a number of conceptual studies that tested how the brief for a simple pavilion could sit within this triangulated site whilst protecting neighbouring amenity to the North. Many of the early studies challenged the stand-off zone. The solution that emerged was a gently triangulated pavilion that embraces the constrained geometry to create a unique building form. Externally, and of equal importance, a simple rectilinear landscaped garden is created which runs the full length of the 65m+ plot. The internal plan was developed to ensure that principal rooms, services and circulation all formed an efficient and delightful home with an abundance of natural light.

The building is to be low energy. It is highly insulated, incorporates MVHR and is to be heated by an Air Source Heat Pump. Timber construction methods are to be prioritised and striated stone is the principal cladding element forming a low embodied carbon construction methodology.