Recycle... Recycle... Recycle

After living its life in two other locations at the Ideal Homes Exhibition (London) and elsewhere on the South Coast, the modular units used in the construction of the Barrows find their home in Newhaven.  

The brief was to obtain approval for a new house on the outskirts of Newhaven, with the main priority being that we had to reuse our client’s existing volumetric modular house, which was in storage awaiting its new home!  One significant change that was needed (following a long planning process) was to remove the upper module, thus creating a chalet bungalow instead of a two-storey house. By opting for a chalet bungalow design, the overall volume and height of the house were greatly reduced, and we were finally granted approval June 2023.

Sited at the end of Harbour View Road within the built-up area boundary of Newhaven, the site presents some unique characteristics. It forms a cul-de-sac on three sides and offers picturesque views of agricultural fields to the west. The site itself slopes upwards from south to north and is enclosed by timber fencing on the north and east sides. Its existing levels posed specific challenges that needed to be addressed in the design process.

Reducing the existing ground level to align it with the lower levels of the site. This adjustment not only tied the proposed dwelling more seamlessly with the surroundings but also further minimized its impact on the neighbouring properties.

Hand in hand with the building's lower impact visually, the project also looked to demonstrate a reduced impact environmentally. A key focus of the project is the emphasis on reuse, particularly in relation to the client's existing volumetric modular building. This will be the third time this modular house gets reused and only goes to show the advantages of modular construction. By repurposing and adapting this structure, over and over again, the project promotes sustainability and minimizes wastage. The decision to reuse the ground-floor modules and remove the first-floor maximized the existing resources and reduced the environmental impact.

Moreover, the design incorporated additional sustainable features such as the use of solar panels for local energy generation, air source heat pumps for climate control, and rainwater recycling.

Our preferred approach aligns with the principles of circular economy and sustainable construction, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing energy consumption associated with manufacturing and transportation. We hope to showcase how the reuse of the modular building and the capability of modular construction can deliver sustainable and high-quality housing, delivering a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious approach to design and development.