CATEGORY WINNERS
BEFORE
COASTAL RETREAT
OVINGDEAN
This ambitious transformation turned a poorly modified hilltop house near Brighton into a striking, energy-efficient dream home. The project involved partial demolition, extensive structural reconfiguration, and a full rebuild using lightweight steel and timber framing. Key features include a bespoke staircase, smoked cork cladding, aluminium detailing, and a unique double-height palm room. Enhanced insulation, panoramic views, and thoughtful design integration resulted in a contemporary home with distinctive architectural features.
Submitted by: Build My Home Ltd. www.buildmh.co.uk
Architect: archangels ARCHITECTS. www.aaarchitects.co.uk
Site Manager: Dennis Kroese, Build My Home Ltd.
Contractor: Build My Home Ltd.
BEFORE
KENT COTTAGE
HENFIELD
Kent Cottage, built around 1600, served as Fulking’s Workhouse and Infirmary before returning to residential use. The building suffered from structural decay due to inappropriate repairs, including resin coatings and cement render. The 10-month restoration focused on preserving the original timber frame, replacing windows, and improving insulation. Rendered panels were replaced with breathable wood wool board and lime render, while historic lath and plaster and wattle and daub were carefully conserved. The project aimed to retain as much of the historic fabric as possible while upgrading the property for modern use.
Submitted by: Manorwood. www.manorwood.co.uk
Architect: Ben Kirk and Vanda Matos, Manorwood.
Site Manager: Josh Ticehurst, The Oak Blokes. www.theoakblokes.com
Contractors: The Oak Blokes.
Other: Roberto Prieto-Labrador, Manorwood.
CLOSE UP
THE BARNS
CHICHESTER
The scheme integrates historic character with environmental performance. A new extension reimagines a lost Dutch barn, reviving the original courtyard layout and enhancing the site’s agricultural character. A fabric-first approach, SIPS construction, insulated flint walls, and ecological materials support energy efficiency. Powered by ground and air source heat pumps and PV solar, the home aims for near self-sufficiency. Ecological enhancements and heritage craftsmanship ensure a modern family home rooted in its 19th-century origins.
Submitted by: Joseph James Construction. www.josephjames.uk
Architect: Simon Randell, Randell Design Group. www.randelldesigngroup.com
Site Manager: Robert Legge, details on request.
Contractors: Carpentry Conversions. www.carpentryconversions.com | Bridge Construction Southern Ltd. www.bridgeconstructionsouthern.co.uk | SRM Brick and Flint Work, details on request | Thermpro. www.thermpro.co.uk | Gibbard and Sons, details on request | Nichols Boreholes. www.nichollsboreholes.co.uk
Craftspeople: Toby Neil, Carpentry Conversions.
Other: Chris Manhire, Manhire LLP. www.manhirellp.com | Kerry Simmons, Smith Simmons & Partners. www.ss-p.co.uk
INTERIOR
MARLOW HOUSE
LINDFIELD
The project merges a stunning family home with its 15th-century origins. The design blends contemporary elements with historical charm, incorporating features like Crittall French doors that open onto a newly landscaped garden. The large conservatory was replaced by a two-storey rear extension, enhancing the views. Traditional techniques such as lime plastering and careful restoration of damaged oak were used to preserve the historic character, ensuring a seamless integration of the old and new.
Submitted by: Southern Contractors. www.southern-contractors.co.uk
Site Manager: Rob Quayle, Southern Contractors.
Contractors: Southern Contractors.
© Jim Stephenson
BEFORE
OLD RECTORY COTTAGE
BARCOMBE
The project is a sensitive renovation and extension of a historic home balancing heritage conservation with sustainability. Featuring a sunken kitchen, oriel window, and FSC-certified larch cladding, the scheme integrates highperformance insulation, an Air Source Heat Pump, and a 10kWp PV array with battery storage. Biodiversity was enhanced through native planting and a reinstated pond. The result is a low-energy, gas-free, future-proof home that harmonises with its setting and history.
Submitted by: HAPA Architects. www.hapa-architects.co.uk
Architect: Stuart Paine, HAPA Architects.
Contractors: CJ Gowing. www.gowingbuild.co.uk
BEFORE
ST PETER’S WELL
LODSWORTH
This sensitive renovation and extension of a Grade II listed 17th-century former house and malthouse transforms a neglected historic structure into a comfortable, breathable family home. Conservation-led repairs using traditional materials were paired with thoughtful modern upgrades, including a limecrete floor, wood fiber insulation, and a Bluetooth-enabled smart lighting system. A contemporary glazed link connects the new family room to the main house, referencing the site’s malthouse history while addressing planning constraints and challenging topography through careful massing and detailing.
Submitted by: Vallis & Hall Conservation Architects. www.vallisandhall.com
Architect: Vallis & Hall Conservation Architects.
Site Manager: Paul Bridle, Lucking Brothers South Ltd. www.luckingbrotherssouth.co.uk
Contractors: Lucking Brothers South Ltd.
Craftspeople: Fineline Traditional Joinery Ltd. www.fineline-joinery.co.uk | Jimmy Hill (Internal Carpentry), details on request.
Other: Karl Page, KP Structural Consultants Ltd. www.kpstructural.com | Aspect Kitchens. www.aspectkitchens.com
© Rexstone
BEFORE
THE CORTEN HOUSE
FRAMFIELD
This innovative refurbishment of a traditional Oast house introduces a contemporary Corten steel-clad extension, designed to harmonise with the building’s historic form while embracing modern living. The rusted patina of the steel contrasts with the original structure and surrounding landscape, complemented by a light-filled, open-plan interior featuring bespoke oak joinery and industrial accents. Sustainability was central to the project, with timber framing, Rockwool insulation to passive standards, airtight membranes, and pollinator-friendly landscaping enhancing both energy efficiency and ecological value.
Submitted by: Rexstone Builders Ltd. www.rexstonebuilders.co.uk
Architect: James Robson Architect. www.jamesrobson.design
Site Manager: Nigel Jeffery, Rexstone Builders Ltd.
Contractors: Rexstone Builders Ltd.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
BEFORE
BABYLON WAY
EASTBOURNE
This comprehensive renovation scheme transformed a traditional family home into a light-filled, accessible, and future-proofed residence. The project included planning approval for side and rear extensions, a new front porch, full internal reconfiguration, and a raised patio with balcony providing panoramic views from the South Downs to the sea. A ground-floor bedroom and wet room were sensitively integrated for an elderly relative. Large rear glazing and the balcony enhance natural light while offering passive shading to improve thermal comfort.
Submitted by: Spruce Architecture. www.sprucearchitecture.com
Architect: Ashley Phillips, Spruce Architecture.
Contractors: BHC Construction LTD, details on request.
BEFORE
HOLE FARM BARN
BILLINGSHURST
A sensitive conversion transformed an 18thcentury Grade II listed barn into a light-filled two-bedroom home, preserving its historic character while introducing modern comfort. Alongside, a prefabricated garage was remodelled into a bold, contemporary Cortenclad outbuilding that complements the surrounding heritage structures. The design balances tradition with innovation, respecting the setting of the adjacent 16th-century farmhouse. Detailed timber restoration, bespoke metalwork, and careful material selection were key to delivering a contextually responsive outcome.
Submitted by: Manorwood. www.manorwood.co.uk
Architect: Ben Kirk and Mike Dean, Manorwood.
Site Manager: Nicholas Ellis, details on request
Contractors: Josh Lalley, details on request | Cornerstone. www.cornerstone.uk.net | The Oak Blokes. www.theoakblokes.com
Project Managers: Ben Kirk, Manorwood and Alison Stegeman (Client).
BEFORE
HOLMWOOD FARM
WALLCROUCH
The project is an adaptive reuse of a 1980s red brick chalet bungalow, transformed into a contemporary family home in the High Weald National Landscape. The design emphasises sustainability, with a large solar array, heat pumps, natural ventilation, and newly installed insulation wrapped in charred timber cladding. The project also includes a natural swimming pool, enhancing biodiversity. Performance upgrades, extensive landscaping, and sensitive material choices delivered a home with improved environmental and visual performance.
Submitted by: RX Architects. www.rxarchitects.com
Architect: RX Architects.
Contractors: Client Self Build.
Other: Erigo Structural Engineers. www.erigo.uk | Contemporary Concrete Floors. www.contemporaryconcretefloors.co.uk | Ben Argent Kitchens. www.benargentkitchens.co.uk | Chartwood Design Joinery. www.chartwooddesign.com
© Peter Landers Photography
© OPDS
BEFORE
MOORINGS
ITCHENOR
This coastal home reimagines an existing structure, celebrating its original form while adapting it for modern family living. A fabric-first approach improved thermal performance with added insulation, upgraded glazing, and natural ventilation via glazed rooflights. Integrated finishes and updated systems enhance comfort and efficiency. Key features include exposed timber rafters, a double-height chimney, mezzanine bathroom, and bed decks—creating light-filled, open spaces. The project highlights sensitive reuse, blending old and new to deliver a calm, sustainable home connected to its garden setting.
Submitted by: Open Design Studio www.open-designstudio.co.uk
Architecture & Interior Architecture: Emma Griffiths and Francesca Bailey, Open Design Studio.
Site Manager/Contractor: Self Build.
Planning: Kerry Simmons, Smith Simmons & Partners. www.ss-p.co.uk
ORANGERY
NORTH CHOLLER FARMHOUSE
WALBERTON
The restoration of a tired Georgian schoolhouse/farmhouse revived its historic character while meeting modern sustainability standards. Cement render was removed to reveal and restore original flint and brickwork, with lime pointing and reclaimed roofing materials. Natural insulation, timber restoration, and a new Orangery enhance comfort and functionality. A basement plant room was created below the water table, and heating is supplied via a biomass pellet boiler. Most materials were reclaimed or recycled, ensuring a low-impact, conservation-led transformation into a 21st-century home.
Submitted by: Nutbourne Construction Ltd, details on request.
Design/Planning/Supervision: Ben Kirk and the Team, Manorwood. www.manorwood.co.uk
Site Managers: Archie Barber and James Breading, details on request.
Contractors: ARC Electrical. www.arcelectricalcontractors.co.uk | Encompass Heating. www.encompass-ph.co.uk | WDR Plasterers. www.wdrplastering.co.uk | Tommy Block Decorating Ltd. www.tommyblockdecorating.co.uk | Nutbourne Construction Ltd.
BEFORE
PERIOD TOWNHOUSE
ARUNDEL
This full refurbishment of a historic home, once occupied by the client’s family, focused on sensitively repairing and enhancing traditional features using authentic materials and methods. Extensive structural repairs addressed serious hidden decay caused by past inappropriate interventions. The project introduced breathable insulation, lime plaster, and new mechanical systems while preserving historic fabric. Despite logistical and conservation challenges, the result is a restored home, with bespoke joinery and interiors that balance heritage and comfort.
Submitted by: Fuller Architects. www.fuller-architects.co.uk | The Martin Sewell Building Company. www.msbc.uk.com
Architect: David Fuller and Victoria Geary (Project Surveyor), Fuller Architects.
Site Managers: Colin Macdonald, The Martin Sewell Building Company.
Contractors: The Martin Sewell Building Company 66 Brickwork, details on request | 1st Call Heritage Ltd. www.1stcallheritageltd.co.uk | A Gates Carpentry. www.agatescarpentry.co.uk | Apex Carpentry and Construction Ltd. www.apexcpm.co.uk | Bailey Plastering, details on request | Bradley Stoves Sussex Ltd. www.woodburners.co.uk | Bulbeck & Son, details on request County Stone Ltd. www.countystonegranite.co.uk | D&H Roofing Ltd, details on request | Encompass Plumbing & Heating Ltd. www.encompass-ph.co.uk | Global Scaffold (Sussex) Ltd. www.global-scaffolding.co.uk | Harwood & Associates (Sussex), details on request | Impressions Decorating Ltd. www.impressionsdecorating.co.uk | Joseph John & Co. www.josephjohncarpentry.co.uk | Midhurst Windows & Doors. www.midhurstwindows.co.uk | Ocean Tiling, details on request | Quality First Decorators. www.qualityfirstdecorators.com | Shepherd & Grantham Stonemasons. www.shepherdandgranthamstonemasons.com | Sunrise Stained Glass Limited. www.stainedglassartists.co.uk | TVR Electrical. www.tvrelectrical.co.uk
Other: Karen Campbell, Karen Campbell Interiors. www.karencampbell-interiors.co.uk | Peter Shaw, Bryceson Shaw Associates. www.brycesonshaw.co.uk
BEFORE
SOLLERS
FERNHURST
A late medieval building, originally an open hall house with 16th-century alterations and a large Arts and Crafts extension. The owner sought to expand the kitchen and family space while preserving the building’s historic character. The design, developed in collaboration with the Local Authorities’ Conservation Officer, embraces a contemporary approach that complements the original structure, ensuring the new addition does not dominate or detract from the historical integrity of the building.
Submitted by: Manorwood. www.manorwood.co.uk
Architect: Alistair Riley, Alistair Riley Architects Ltd. www.ar-architects.co.uk
Site Manager: Rhys Meredith, RM Construction Limited. www.rmconstructionlimited.co.uk
Contractors: RM Construction Limited.
Other: Ben Kirk and Roberto Prieto-Labrador, Manorwood.
BEFORE
THE GRANARY
BRIGHTON
The curtilage-listed 19th-century granary was sensitively converted and extended into a characterful home blending rustic-industrial aesthetics with modern living. Key features include double-height spaces, natural light, and reclaimed local materials. Challenges of structural deterioration and heritage constraints were met with a light-touch, conservation-led approach. The project prioritised sustainability through reuse of original fabric, discreet energy upgrades, and biodiversity-supporting landscaping. Carefully integrated design elements preserve the granary’s agricultural heritage while delivering a flexible, efficient, and visually engaging modern home.
Submitted by: archangels ARCHITECTS. www.aaarchitects.co.uk
Architect: archangels ARCHITECTS.
Site Manager/Contractors/ Craftspeople: Filby Builders. www.filbybuilders.co.uk
Other: HOP Consulting Limited. www.hop.uk.com | Dalton Barnes. www.daltonbarnes.co.uk | Total Building Control Ltd. www.totalbuildingcontrol.co.uk | Archaeology South-East Environmental Assessment Services Ltd. www.easltd.co.uk
© Julia Toms Photography
BEFORE
THE HAVEN
CHICHESTER
A sustainably led refurbishment of a 1930s cottage in Bosham’s Conservation Area reinterpreting local vernacular with modern ecological sensitivity. Externally insulated with woodfiber and lime render, and extended with larch-clad outbuildings, the project reused original fabric and integrated drought-tolerant landscaping, solar PV, and a green roof. Despite late-stage setbacks requiring a gas connection, the project remains a strong example of sustainable retrofitting within a historic coastal context, successfully balancing heritage, aesthetics, and environmental aspirations.
Submitted by: Lab Architects Ltd. www.labarchitects.com | Dowling Carpentry and Construction Ltd. www.dowlingconstructionltd.com
Architect: Lab Architects Ltd
Site Manager: Reuben Dowling, Dowling Carpentry and Construction Ltd.
Contractors: Dowling Carpentry and Construction Ltd.
Other: Mike Webster, TEC Structures, details on request Oboro Pools. www.orbro.co.uk | Your Garden Design. www.yourgardendesign.co.uk
© Julia Toms Photography
BEFORE
WARBILL IN TUN
WARBLETON
The project transformed a derelict historic pub in Warbleton into a character-rich, energy-efficient home. Situated in a conservation area, the conversion retained and reused original elements, integrated breathable, sustainable materials, and added a contemporary rear extension. A fabricfirst retrofit approach improved thermal performance and airtightness, supported by an ASHP and MVHR system. The scheme prioritised heritage conservation, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort, serving as an example of sustainable design.
Submitted by: Stickland Wright. www.sticklandwright.co.uk | Hawes Construction Group. www.hawesconstructiongroup.co.uk
Architect: Anna Hobbs, Samantha Davies (Retrofit Designer/Architect) and Caroline Wright (Interior Designer), Stickland Wright.
Site Manager/Contractors: Hawes Construction Group.
Craftsperson: Jake Hawes, Hawes Construction Group.
Other: Haworth McCall. www.haworthmccall.co.uk | Mark Lane, Square One Workshops. www.square-one.co.uk