Contextual Inversion
Exploring the characteristics of flint
This exceptional new isolated Paragraph 84 (Para 84) dwelling enjoys stunning views across the South Downs National Park. The architectural narrative for this ambitious passive house has developed from the key black-and-white characteristics of a flint nodule, a locally quarried material found in the area. Our proposals explore these contrasting textures, enabling the building to assimilate into the woodland backdrop when viewed from the public realm. The dark external simplicity sets up a dramatic surprise upon entering, revealing its curved white courtyard and bright interior spaces. This project was a great team effort by Hughes Planning and Squires Young Landscape Architecture, and planning permission was granted by Chichester District Council on 10th June 2024.
South Downs Proposal
From Design Review to Approval
A detailed analysis of views from within the South Downs National Park identified a portion of the site naturally screened by foreground elements, which directly informed the footprint of our proposals. Developed in collaboration with Hughes Planning and Squires Young Landscape Architects, the designs were thoroughly reviewed and fully endorsed by The Design Review Panel. We appreciate the officers at Chichester District Council, who initially recommended approval, despite a committee refusal. A subsequent appeal supported every aspect of the design, with only minor additional nitrate neutrality details requested. Following resubmission, CDC delegated approval, enabling the project to move forward.
Elevated
Floor Plan
Facade treatment detail
Conchoidal fracture of flint
The external facade of Foxbury explores the dark, hard & sharp characteristics of a flint nodule. The conchoidal fracturing that occurs in silica has been used to express directional views from windows. We’ve used a bronze coloured metal on the window reveals to reflect the colouration that occurs when a shard of flint shears from the dark mass within a flint nodule. Within these deep window reveals we have integrated external blinds & shutters to help prevent night time light escaping and to help retain thermal energy.
The external facade of Foxbury explores the dark, hard & sharp characteristics of a flint nodule. The conchoidal fracturing that occurs in silica has been used to express directional views from windows. We’ve used a bronze coloured metal on the window reveals to reflect the colouration that occurs when a shard of flint shears from the dark mass within a flint nodule. Within these deep window reveals we have integrated external blinds & shutters to help prevent night time light escaping and to help retain thermal energy.
