Wilkinson King Architects Complete Highly-Efficient Field House with Sustainable Design in West Sussex
Architecture News – Wilkinson King Architects has recently completed Field House, a highly-efficient and sustainable family home in West Sussex. The two-storey property combines structural stone and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) with a thoughtful design that emphasizes low-energy consumption and connectedness to nature. The clients sought a spacious home with open living spaces, panoramic views, and a sustainable construction approach. Wilkinson King Architects rose to the challenge, delivering a warm and comfortable family residence that exudes tranquility and eco-consciousness.
Aims and Goals of the Project
The clients approached Wilkinson King Architects with the goal of creating a new family home that would replace an existing small and poorly-constructed dwelling. The property sits on an agricultural site surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking views of the South Downs landscape. The brief called for a spacious four-bedroom family home with open-plan living spaces, an emphasis on natural materials, and a commitment to eco-sustainability.
Material and Design Philosophy
Wilkinson King Architects leveraged natural, responsibly-sourced materials to achieve the client’s vision. Field House features a combination of structural stone, Douglas fir timber, European spruce CLT, and Western Red Cedar. Natural stone is used for the exterior walls and interior features, while the floors are composed of Douglas fir. Western Red Cedar cladding covers the upper storey and roof, giving the building a cohesive yet modern aesthetic. The architect’s project showcases their expertise in material engineering and sustainable design.
Interior Spaces
The ground floor of Field House features a large family sitting room, an open plan kitchen, dining, and living space, and several ancillary rooms positioned along the north side. A continuous band of floor-to-ceiling windows on the south and west exposures offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape, bringing the outdoors in and maximizing natural light. Full-height glass doors open to the outside, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor living.
The first floor houses the bedrooms, a bath, and a galleried landing. Wilkinson King Architects ensured that these spaces boast ample natural light and comfort, with exposed CLT providing warmth and texture. Each room retains a southern or western aspect, ensuring that the bedrooms capture the most sunlight.
Design Features
A notable design feature of Field House is the striking double-height stone staircase with an elegantly curved bannister made of English Ash. This staircase acts as a central feature and allows a clear view of the building’s layers: Douglas fir, stone, and spruce CLT. Another unique aspect is the stone cantilever landing, showcasing the architect’s creative engineering solutions.
