Downs Walk is a striking contemporary residence that redefines suburban living on the East Sussex coast. Designed as the personal home of a developer, the property stands apart from its surroundings with a bold architectural language and a scale that exceeds neighbouring houses. From the outset, planning presented challenges, requiring multiple design iterations to achieve consent. We were pushing for a more ambitious scheme that broke away from the recently completed nearby new builds, which were standard, uninspired, and lacked architectural character. Our goal was to deliver something distinctive and design-led, setting a higher benchmark for the area.
To accelerate the planning process, we provided detailed specifications early, including the selection of the ‘Tigra’ brick by Vandersanden. This distinctive brown-grey-white blend became the defining feature of the design, colour-drenching the exterior for a cohesive and sophisticated finish. Black accents and intricate brickwork detailing complement the palette, creating depth and visual interest while reinforcing the home’s contemporary character.
Internally, the layout prioritises openness and connection, with generous glazing framing garden views and flooding the living spaces with natural light. Every element was considered to balance individuality with practicality, delivering a home that feels both expressive and enduring. The result is a property that reflects the client’s ambition and craftsmanship, setting a benchmark for bespoke residential design in Peacehaven.
Downs Walk demonstrates how thoughtful design and materiality can elevate a coastal home beyond convention. By combining planning strategy with architectural vision, the project delivers a residence that is as distinctive as it is functional, establishing a new standard for contemporary living in the area.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Courtney for the past 5–6 years, and during that time he’s consistently impressed me with his creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Courtney has a real talent for bringing ideas to life and finding smart, practical solutions without ever compromising on design quality.
He’s great at what he does and always a pleasure to work with – I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
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