Hove House

The scheme replaces an existing bungalow and garage on the steeply sloping site, providing a contemporary five bedroom dwelling that responds to the client’s requirements and challenges offered by the site constraints. The suburban site to the north of Brighton offered long distance views over the city towards the English Channel as well as the local rolling hills of the South Downs. These varied views and the natural topography of the site formed the basis for the design. The proposed dwelling is spread over four clearly defined floors, with each stepping back from the one below to follow the existing terrain. The ground floor is defined as a brick wall cut back into the hillside, creating a forecourt and clearly defining the entrance to the house. The three floors above are staggered and stepped apart from one another in order to dilute the visual mass of the dwelling and provide external space at each. Each is presented as a frame to the view, giving a lightweight appearance to the house.