Grade II* Listed Farmhouse Extension Newick

This case study involved the design of a contemporary glazed extension to Founthill Farm, an early 16th-century Grade II* listed timber-framed farmhouse on the outskirts of Newick, East Sussex.

The project demonstrates Dalby Architecture’s approach to designing modern additions to highly sensitive historic buildings, where the new work needs to improve the use of the property while respecting the significance of the original fabric and setting.

Project type

External client project
Grade II* listed farmhouse extension
Contemporary glazed extension
Listed building consent
Planning and building consent

Location

Founthill Farm, Newick, East Sussex

The brief

The project involved creating a contemporary extension to improve the living accommodation of the listed farmhouse and provide a stronger connection between the house, adjoining cottage and garden setting.

The intention was not to imitate the historic building, but to create a clearly modern addition that could sit respectfully alongside the early timber-framed farmhouse.

The challenge

A Grade II* listed building requires a particularly careful design response. Any new addition has to be considered in relation to the building’s age, fabric, proportions, historic setting and the impact on its significance.

The challenge was to introduce a modern glazed structure that improved the use of the home while remaining visually light, carefully detailed and clearly subordinate to the historic farmhouse.

The design response

Dalby Architecture developed the proposal as a contemporary glazed pavilion set within a sunken brick courtyard to the south elevation of the farmhouse.

The design used extensive glazing to create a light, open addition with a strong relationship to the surrounding garden and courtyard. Steel detailing and a cedar soffit helped give the new structure a crisp modern character while allowing the historic building to remain visually distinct.

The proposal included a glazed link between the new accommodation and the farmhouse. This link was later widened at the client’s request to create a more generous fully glazed mezzanine connection.

Planning, listed building and building control

The project required planning permission, listed building consent and building control approval.

Consent was granted, demonstrating how a clear architectural approach and careful handling of heritage considerations can allow contemporary design to work successfully with a highly sensitive listed building.

The result

The completed design provides a contemporary addition to a Grade II* listed farmhouse while maintaining a clear distinction between old and new.

The project is a strong example of how modern glazing, careful detailing and sensitive siting can improve a historic home without undermining its character or significance.