Black Timber House

Louise purchased this village plot in the South Down National Park with existing planning for a more conventional house.

She worked with HAPA Architects to design and obtain planning for an eco house making better use of the tree lined plot and the extraordinary views to the Downs.

The house is clad in black charred larch (shou sugi) and has passive house principles including MVHR and PV panels and sits lightly in the landscape both visually and in terms of carbon footprint.

The interior style is contemporary but Louise has introduced tactile, natural materials to soften the industrial feel of the polished concrete floors using recycled oak floor boards and zinc for the kitchen and natural wood lighting.  

Black Tile House won the 2023 RIBA South East Small Project of the Year.

Read more about Black Timber house on The Modern House Journal here.

Credits

Architects: HAPPA

Photography: Jim Stevenson