An exemplar eco development on a rural brown field site
The dream
Our goal was to turn a derelict site into a model development of five sustainable homes and to do something positive for our local community.
The details
We love the use of natural and sustainable materials, the minimalist yet warm design, and the family and entertaining spaces with some of the best views we’ve seen.
Designed for us with our community and sustainability at heart
With our partners at Westbourne Commercial, we purchased the Earnley Butterfly Farm, a derelict four-acre site near the Sussex coast as a development project. The attraction had suffered long term decline and reduced footfall in the preceding years and fell into severe disrepair. Against the odds and with overwhelming community support, we were able to achieve planning for a low-density sustainable development of five family homes.
Our design approach led to a high-quality contemporary scheme designed to provide an example of best practice to deliver energy efficient sustainable homes on an in-fill site. The properties were modelled on a modern interpretation of traditional rural buildings – designed to reflect the form of traditional barns, stables and outbuildings found in the local area. Each home has a dedicated work from home space, and outdoor areas for healthy living and growing.
Our sustainable approach was the key driver to proposed reuse of the brownfield site and we aimed to ensure environmental responsibility and resource efficiency throughout the life cycle of the buildings. Sustainable design was achieved through a ‘whole building design approach’. Our designs also included rainwater harvesting, water conservation and flood mitigation strategies, and biodiversity positive gardens where wildlife is encouraged to thrive.
As an integral part of our design process, we spent considerable effort consulting with the parish and neighbours. This exemplar project is an opportunity to educate local residents and contractors on sustainability and new ways of construction and development. It will not only improve the local community but serve as a model for future sympathetic development in our area.
Working together to create incredible spaces
Collaboration
Architect: Randell Design Group
Developer: Northstar Property
Concept: Randell Design Group and Westbourne Commercial
CGIs: Randell Design Group
“Having cutting edge high quality architecture will greatly improve the look of the area and with its emphasis on being able to follow a sustainable, healthy, low consumption lifestyle, with home office capability etc”
Member of the community
“Such a development would show Chichester to be a council that puts low energy sustainable design with an emphasis on preserving the rural setting as a priority, in stark contrast to the rushed high-density ballooning developments"
Member of the community