Traditional Farmsteads Inspire Modern Home in Sussex
TaylorHare Architects designs a family home in harmony with nature.
1Project Starting Point
When the clients purchased the site in a woodland clearing near Uckfield, it had a small structure and planning permission for a much larger, two-storey dwelling. However, the new owners wanted a design more connected to the landscape. TaylorHare Architects developed a project inspired by traditional farmsteads, creating three single-storey barn-like structures around a central courtyard.
2Design Philosophy
Architect Christopher Taylor stated that every design decision was evaluated against the question: 'Does it strengthen the relationship between house and landscape?' This approach resulted in a cluster of three single-storey barns around a central courtyard. The composition creates a home that feels both grounded and quietly expressive, drawing on the character of rural agricultural buildings.
3Main Social Spaces
A slightly larger building clad in black metal houses the home's main social spaces. Large windows overlook both the paved courtyard and surrounding landscape. This area serves as the family's gathering space and guest reception area. Minimal white finishes and high gable ceilings create a sense of spaciousness. The interiors prioritize views of the changing landscape over architectural statements.
4Bedroom Wing and Connections
A corridor extends from the main structure, leading to a row of more intimate bedroom spaces. Large black-framed openings emphasize external views. To the south, a glazed link connects the living areas to an ancillary building containing a garage, home gym, and guest room. The studio described the brickwork gable end as 'anchoring the building in the landscape,' creating visual continuity with the rural setting.
5Material Choices
All volumes are unified by corrugated metal cladding covering both walls and roofs. This material gives the home a contemporary feel while rooting it deeply in its setting. Interior finishes were kept deliberately minimal, with white walls, pale oak timber in bedrooms, and stone paving in kitchen and bathroom areas. The materials work together to create a building that feels enduring and connected to its place.
6Architectural Approach
Taylor explained that white-rendered walls and natural timber create calm, light-filled spaces where the changing landscape, rather than the architecture itself, becomes the primary focus. The materials were never intended to make bold statements individually but rather to work together to form a cohesive whole. This approach results in a sustainable, timeless character that respects its rural context while meeting modern living needs.
7Similar Projects
Other recent UK homes drawing inspiration from agricultural buildings include Bindloss Dawes' transformation of a former tractor shed in Dorset into a low-carbon home. Such conversions represent important examples of sustainable architecture, demonstrating how existing structures can be repurposed with environmental sensitivity while maintaining their original character.
8Project Significance
House in a Clearing successfully blends modern living requirements with traditional architectural elements. Its strong connection to nature, sustainable material choices, and minimalist design make it an inspiring example of contemporary rural housing. The project demonstrates how architecture can exist in harmony with its environment, offering a model for thoughtful, context-sensitive residential design in rural settings.