The Rathfinny Estate in Sussex was founded in 2010 and will develop to become one of the most signification single vineyards in England and one of the largest in Europe. It is situated near Alfriston on the South Downs and has the perfect aspect, soil and climate profile for sparkling wine. The 160 hectares (400 acres) of vines to be planted by 2020 will produce over a million bottles of Sussex Sparkling wine annually.
Starting from a concept provided by designer Martin Swatton, Designcubed continued to work alongside Martin to secure planning permission for the Winery building. As Design Team leader we developed the detailed design and completed construction in 2013.
The winery was shortlisted for a RIBA Regional Award and became a winner of the Sussex Heritage Trust Award 2015
Designcubed were commissioned to build a family home on a back garden plot which had a difficult planning history having twice been refused planning with other architect’s schemes. The design contours the house to the 3m change in level across the site. Entered via a sliding gate from the street opening out onto an upper courtyard, the top level of the house contains 3 bedrooms and a study. A central staircase runs down into an open plan lower level containing living room with woodburner, kitchen/diner and snug/garden room. The design is camoflaged with a green roof, and pergola planted with climbing vines.
Light is brought into the house via a striking linear skylight running the length of the boundary wall, over the staircase and finishing where the house ends. This creates a spine of light which penetrates the entire house. Windows have been carefully placed to frame the surrounding trees, creating a peaceful, woodland feel. The downstairs living area features floor to ceiling windows that flow outside with long views of the terrace, stream and woodland beyond.
Planning granted via appeal 2016. Construction commenced in December 2016.
The design concept takes its cue from traditional boat house and barn architecture utilising a simple timber clad shed form as the major massing element. Each gable end features a recessed façade framed by the roof and flank walls wrapping around. The orientation frames views to the canal and the spire of St. Mary’s Church opposite whilst providing seclusion from the adjacent highway and neighbouring properties.
The mass and pitched form of the proposals, with the second storey nestled partially within the roof eaves, creates a ‘bookend’ to South Bank Road providing an appropriate degree of presence without being too overbearing. A low adjoining garage accessed from the existing driveway on New Road completes the composition and additional off-street parking is provided at the rear of the property adjacent to South Bank Road.
A single-storey courtyard house constructed on a constrained brown-field sloping site, built out to the perimeter whilst providing light and private views to the habitable rooms and avoiding overlooking of the surrounding properties. Bathrooms are located along the street facade with opaque glass windows to provide a buffer zone between the living space and the pavement.
The project has been featured in The Architects Journal On-Line, the Evening Standard, Homes and Property as well as the television programme,”Place Invaders” on London Live TV.
Site Dims: 17.1m x 11.5m
G.I.A.: 121sqm