No 29 Friars Walk, Lewes

No 29 Friars Walk, Lewes, East Sussex

Architecture, Conservation, Master planning, Landscaping & Interior Architecture

Planning submitted, Due to be completed Autumn 2025.

We are delighted to be asked to undertake the detailed architectural redesign, sympathetic remodel and restoration of this Grade-II listed town house situated in the heart of the iconic town of Lewes within the South Downs Park conservation area. The current owners moved to the property In the early 2000’s and had outgrown the space. Over the years they had worked with a number of named architects to find ways to reconfigure and extend the interior space. All these designs had failed to gain heritage consent.  

We proposed a more sympathetic and measured approach to the design process. We began with a meeting with the Conservation Officer to present some early concept ideas, 3D models, plans and materials. These initial ideas were positively received. We incorporated the Conservation Officer's feedback into the proposed scheme. We proposed removing a dilapidated rear washroom, toilet and foundations and replacing it with a two-storey rear extension clad in burnt larch. The rear extension added a much needed basement storage, snug and studio space to the rear of the property amounting to a very useful 20% increase to the internal area. The design had to fit within the tight confines of the existing plot, be respectful to the neighbouring buildings and not damage the existing heritage.

The pallet of materials included: traditional lead for the roofing, zinc gutters and downpipes, burnt larch cladding to the exterior elevations and bespoke steel window reveals finished in a corresponding powder-coated finish. The foundations, walls and outside surfaces reused the existing heritage bricks with a lime based mortar. Light was a very important part of the proposed design. As the property was south-facing we incorporated large west-facing picture windows, a large heritage skylight and small, south-facing casement windows with deep reveals to control the solar gain. All these window elements and the increase in ceiling height will fill the new and existing space with more natural light creating an enhanced sense of space. 

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

Contact REAFE STUDIO

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