After moving to a 1930’s bungalow on a magnificent West Sussex site of 11.5 acres of formal gardens and woods, the Clients decided that they should start again and commission a house that combined the practical requirements of modern family life with their passion for natural surroundings. Having previously lived in NZ and Australia, they were influenced by a desire for an open, light and spacious building with a strong connection between indoors and out to the pool and garden. The new building is cut into the sloping site with the formal entrance positioned above the main living areas. The hallway feeds down into the main living areas which are positioned fully to utilize the southern and eastern aspects and lead out to the pool and garden. Although mainly open plan in layout the house provides a series of spaces, each with distinctive qualities. The kitchen/dining zone opens out to the pool area whilst the sitting room has picture windows framing the more formal aspect of the garden.  The conservatory provides a separate space, whether for entertaining or quiet contemplation A double height glass atrium in the centre of the building captures the sunlight from multiple directions throughout the day and leads to the teenager's area, which is designed to enable them to have complete privacy and make as much noise as they wish without fear of disturbing the rest of the household.   Simple natural materials have been used inside and out in order to ensure the building is at ease with its surroundings. With the open plan nature of the building, it was important that these materials referenced each other. This has been achieved by employing a limited palette of concrete, glass, cedar, iroko and slate. The external timber remains untreated and is intended to weather to silver over time.