Detached House
Eastbourne
Private Residential | New build
This project in Eastbourne stands out as a creative response to a tight site with many constraints. Designed for the client as a self-build venture. The develpoment employed less conventional building technologies, further adding to the unique character of the project. Despite facing budget constraints, the outcome was remarkably successful, showcasing how thoughtful architectural design and sensitivity to local tradition, site parameters and precedent can greatly enrich the surrounding area.
This project also highlights the potential of well-executed brownfield redevelopment and demonstrates how innovative, locally attuned approaches to new housing can create lasting value. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of combining high construction standards with a deep respect for the local context, ultimately offering a compelling solution that enhances the character and functionality of the area.
Working as architects in Eastbourne our new detached house is now complete
The site, like many other potential sites in and around Eastbourne, originally served as the garden of a residential property. The previous owner had successfully secured planning permission for a bungalow on the land several years prior. Our objective was to build on this foundation by securing planning permission for a larger, more contemporary dwelling, aiming to enhance both the functional capacity and the aesthetic appeal of the site. This approach was not only designed to meet modern standards but also to significantly increase the overall value and desirability of the property.
The planning process proved exceptionally productive, resulting in a strong recommendation for approval from the local authority. The property remains a distinctive and characterful addition to the area, gaining considerable popularity within the local community for its unique design and charm.
The road leading to the site is situated on a hill, and the site itself presents a double slope and an irregular shape, lacking the straightforward structure of a square plot. These characteristics, combined with the proximity to neighbouring properties and the potential for overlooking, posed a set of unique challenges that were carefully navigated and successfully resolved.
The chosen construction method—Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)—is particularly notable for its advantages in flexibility, rapid assembly, energy efficiency, and superior airtightness. This method was selected not only to address the complexities of the site but also to enhance the building’s long-term sustainability, allowing for an efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible solution.
Summary
New House, Eastbourne
This new build house in Eastbourne is successful in many ways. Planning permission was granted first time for a complex and small site. The project was built using innovative ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork) technology and constructed as a self-build project by one of our architects as his home.
How to use ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork)
We have written a number of blogs on the use of ICF as a building technique and in particular in its use for self-build projects.
