Planning awards excellence for South Downs National Park
A stunning and innovative new-build house on one of the highest points of the South Downs has won an award from The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
High House in rural East Sussex won the RIBA South East Award, with BakerBrown Studio’s house and guest annexe recognised for outstanding design.
The development is on the site of a large sprawling bungalow that was lost to fire in 2017.
The challenge was to design a new low-carbon home that nestled into the south-facing sloping meadow with incredible views across to the Seven Sisters.
About the development, RIBA said: “The architects used good urban design principles to create an arrival courtyard that creates a sense of belonging and intimacy, as well as offering enclosure from the prevailing winds.
“Guests have a stunning annexe, simple in plan and expression, which embraces the views over the South Downs. Clients of the owner’s yoga business also have a dedicated quiet space within the main building, accessed via a separate staircase and through a sunken courtyard.
“The design allows for multiple groups of different people to interact with the buildings while retaining respect for each other’s needs and privacy.”
The building is effectively off-grid, equipped with a solar farm with battery storage, a horizontal ground-source heat pump, grey and brown water recycling, and an on-site sewage treatment plant.
Tim Slaney, Director of Placemaking for the National Park Authority, said: “It’s wonderful to this remarkable property finished and nestling into its surroundings, using local materials in a sensitive yet creative way.
“The design elements respond well to the local context yet being clearly of the 21st century and there are some wonderful internal spaces. Lessons can be learned in terms of its general approach.”
Meanwhile, on the awards front, the South Downs National Park Authority has been shortlisted in the Planning Authority of the Year category in the RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence 2026. The awards ceremony takes place in Southampton on 9 July. The team are keeping everything firmly crossed!
Pictures courtesy of Ivan Jones