Architecture and Landscape in harmony
New Surries is a landscape-led Paragraph 84 home focused on ecological regeneration and low-impact design. Rooted in landscape repair, the project reinstates historic field patterns and restores lost parcels of ancient woodland—reviving biodiversity and reconnecting woodland corridors lost over the past century.
Walking Up The Arrival Track
Looking over the wooden field-gate one sees the pyramidal shape of the roof perched atop the varied
timber lower storey. Whilst retaining a strong sense of the vernacular, the crisp red roof shape is uplifting and
contemporary in nature. The vertical timber cladding fizzles into its woodland surrounding, withholding the scale
and extent of the south blocks.
As trees become building, the columnless overhang, flanked by greenery, clearly indicates the entry point of the
house. As one rounds the corner, the garage block creates a sense of enclosure, however the scale and extent of
the southern part of the building still remains hidden.
The southern terraces provide areas to enjoy the sun and act as outdoor ‘breakout rooms’ for the internal spaces
behind them. The indents in the staggered building forms provide sheltered sun-trap or shade areas for people and
plants. Up close and personal with the building, the gold colour tones of the oak soffit and Wealden sandstone paving
can be enjoyed.
Looking over the wooden field-gate one sees the pyramidal shape of the roof perched atop the varied
timber lower storey. Whilst retaining a strong sense of the vernacular, the crisp red roof shape is uplifting and
contemporary in nature. The vertical timber cladding fizzles into its woodland surrounding, withholding the scale
and extent of the south blocks.
Landscape-Led living
New Surries creates a harmonious connection between a home and its environment. Carefully positioned within the site, our proposal balances practicality and environmental factors with maximum engagement with the newly designed landscape.
The subtle ‘sliding blocks’ of the building plan create a gentle splay which invites the woodland towards the house. The openness of the central glazed living area facilitates the use of the east and west courtyards as outdoor rooms in summer.
The house and myriad new native planting have also been designed to greatly increase the enjoyment of the view from the footpath that runs to the south of the site.
Site Masterplan
A lifetime home amongst the trees
The atmosphere of New Surries is designed to be deeply connected to nature and grounded in comfort. Set entirely on one level, the home flows effortlessly into its surrounding gardens—reflecting the client’s love of landscape and gardening. With space for hosting friends and family, it offers a peaceful, accessible environment where everyday life is rooted in calm through close contact with the natural world.
The atmosphere of New Surries is designed to be deeply connected to nature and grounded in comfort. Set entirely on one level, the home flows effortlessly into its surrounding gardens—reflecting the client’s love of landscape and gardening. With space for hosting friends and family, it offers a peaceful, accessible environment where everyday life is rooted in calm through close contact with the natural world.
The house is designed as a continuation of the woodland, blurring the line between built form and nature.
Floor Plan
Materiality
The building’s material palette draws inspiration from the local vernacular: layers of dark and light sweet chestnut cladding create a ‘fizzle’ which dissolves the house into it’s woodland context. Soaring above the layered neutral tones of the walls, the rich red of the roof comes from local handmade clay tiles and local tile patterns are referenced in a contemporary manner through a subtle light to dark gradient.
The building’s material palette draws inspiration from the local vernacular: layers of dark and light sweet chestnut cladding create a ‘fizzle’ which dissolves the house into it’s woodland context. Soaring above the layered neutral tones of the walls, the rich red of the roof comes from local handmade clay tiles and local tile patterns are referenced in a contemporary manner through a subtle light to dark gradient.
View From East of Footpath
Heading west on the footpath one reaches the corner of the site and immediately appreciates the strong hipped
roof rising through the meadowscape. As one climbs higher, flanking the newly enhanced boundary hedge, the
lower ‘hit and miss’ timber walls will gradually emerge.
Sustainability
The home is designed as a lifetime dwelling, tailored to the applicant’s personal and health needs while achieving full accessibility—without compromising on aesthetics or environmental performance. Sustainability is embedded throughout the design, from passive solar orientation and deep eaves to thoughtful zoning and high thermal mass materials that enhance energy efficiency. Advanced Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are integrated into the scheme, while a biophilic layout strengthens the connection between home and landscape—supporting long-term environmental resilience and occupant wellbeing. Filled with aquatic life and surrounded by rich and varied meadows, the new pond will be a beacon of biodiversity at the centre of the site. Excess earth from digging the pond will become wild-flower bunds throughout the site.
