Fir Tree Cottage

PHOTO-2025-10-27-13-57-20(4)

Residential

Bold but sensitive modernist
replacement dwelling, reducing
the footprint while increasing
living space

Bold but sensitive modernist replacement dwelling, reducing the footprint while increasing living space

Low-energy design for year-round comfort

Following Passivhaus principles of a fabric-first, sustainable approach, this home has future-proof features such as super-insulated construction, airtight detailing, and solar gain, providing optimal comfort and requiring minimal energy.

Natural materials and biodiverse landscaping

The home combines white render, timber cladding, and split stone for a tactile, low-maintenance finish. A wild green roof tops the garage, while landscaping adds biodiversity through wildflowers, native trees, and ecological planting.

Sensitive Green Belt strategy

Despite an 18% volume uplift in living space, the home’s smaller footprint, tree planting, and sensitive design enhance openness, support landscape restoration, and make a clear case for sustainability-led development.

Low-energy design for year-round comfort

Following Passivhaus principles of a fabric-first, sustainable approach, this home has future-proof features such as super-insulated construction, airtight detailing, and solar gain, providing optimal comfort and requiring minimal energy.

Natural materials and biodiverse landscaping

The home combines white render, timber cladding, and split stone for a tactile, low-maintenance finish. A wild green roof tops the garage, while landscaping adds biodiversity through wildflowers, native trees, and ecological planting.

Sensitive Green Belt strategy

Despite an 18% volume uplift in living space, the home’s smaller footprint, tree planting, and sensitive design enhance openness, support landscape restoration, and make a clear case for sustainability-led development.

A tired bungalow in West Sussex, reimagined as a bold, modernist, and sustainable family home. Located in the Green Belt of Copthorne on a prominent corner plot, the site had a poorly built dwelling that had been botched over many extensions.

Ecotecture was appointed to design a high-performance, ecological replacement home, carefully navigating planning policy and Green Belt constraints. The new low-energy home fits beautifully into its setting, balancing function with standout design.

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PHOTO-2025-10-27-13-57-21(7)

Are you looking for an architect to breathe new life into your ‘has-potential’ home?

Look no further. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.

Are you looking for an architect to breathe new life into your ‘has-potential’ home?

Look no further. Check out our architecture services here, or contact us to get started.

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