Due to be completed Spring 2025.

REAFE STUDIO is delighted to be working with a client who has entrusted us with the full redesign of their unique 1930’s bungalow. Situated on the edge of the county town of Lewes, the proposed remodel will be a bold example of modern architecture working alongside the existing structure in one of the south of England’s most beloved ancient towns.

Mindful of the embedded carbon in a new build, we decided early on to retain a substantial amount of the existing property. We opted to preserve the existing ground floor walls and design a scheme that worked alongside and within the existing aesthetic. Our aim was to design a scheme that restored and highlighted the original building and clearly celebrated the new architectural additions.

The plot was a generous one but had many constraints due to the proximity and sight lines of neighbouring properties. Throughout the design and planning stages we worked hard to implement the design changes requested by neighbours and by the officers of the South Downs National Park’s planning department.

To maximise head height and floor space and to align with the neighbouring ridge lines, we proposed adding a further floor that floated beyond the ground floor footprint. The upper floor will be split into two visual elements by a single and distinctive floor-to-ceiling window that will throw natural light into the circulation spaces. Outside the master bedroom to the rear of the first floor elevation we introduced a balcony looking east to the spectacular sight of Mount Caburn.

Within the southern extension we increased the ceiling height significantly to enhance the sense of light and space. To the southern elevation we proposed a modern extension that would link to the existing property via a small glazed connecting portal. This will provide the new main entrance and will form the heart of the property, Other additions include an entrance hall, utility, kitchen and outside eating space. To the rear an overhanging roof space will form a covered seating area, accessed from the kitchen.

The garden was an important aspect of the design and retaining much of this land was integral to the early design thinking. The proposed design with its new floor increases the building floor space by two hundred percent but cleverly only uses an additional six percent of the plot. This means we are not overdeveloping the site and that we can keep the surrounding garden space.

To ensure maximum light throughout the day we wanted to introduce large roof lights and large-scale windows to all available elevations. We carefully considered neighbouring properties, light pollution, privacy and how the sun moved throughout the day. Within the first floor roof space we introduced large-scale roof lights within the vaulted staircase and bathroom, as we knew that the planners would not permit windows to the northern elevation.

We designed the upper western elevation with timber cladding. A single floor-to-ceiling window will throw light into the stairwell, upper and lower corridor and living spaces. To the southern elevation the second bedroom has a large landscape window with views over the rooftops.

The design changes requested by neighbours and planners during the planning application process reduced roof heights in certain areas and window opening in others but there were no objections to the bold design we had proposed. The revised design commits to a contextually sensitive building on the site ensuring a varied and visually pleasing roof shape and profile externally. Inside, we have doubled the floor space and created spaces that will be flooded with light. We have achieved what we set out to achieve together with the client: retained the shell of the 1930s building whilst bringing it alive to new generations with inventive modern architectural features.

The work involved Architecture, Conservation, Master Planning, Landscaping, Architectural Interventions, Interior Architecture.

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