New build house in East Sussex. This recently completed innovative and highly sustainable timber house has been Inspired by its rural context. Overlooking sweeping views to the South Downs, it is composed of a series of layers which echo the horizontality of the meadows, vineyards and hills as they recede into the distant landscape. The first floor construction is entirely from cross laminated timber and is expressed internally, as is the folded, undulating roof which mimics the form of the distant hills. The house has been designed as a retreat from central London where the owners can relax and entertain. It is entered from a formal landscaped garden to the North and at this point the first sight of the magnificent context is revealed and framed through a large opening in the otherwise solid facade. The ground floor is glazed on the southern and western elevations so that the view can be enjoyed from the living spaces. The master bedroom is to the East with its more private small sunken garden. The first floor floats over the ground and provides shading from the summer sun. There are three bedrooms and a study which over looks a double height winter garden space. The first floor elevations are finished in western red cedar which will weather naturally over time. Sliding pocket windows and louvered shutters, on the southern elevation, are concealed within the timber façade. Heating and hot water is provided by a bio mass boiler located in an ancillary building. This building forms one edge of the arrival courtyard is also used for parking and maintenance equipment. The house is built to high environmental performance standards and is highly energy efficient making best use use of natural light and solar gain in the winter months. Wilkinson King worked closely with garden designers to realise the formal gardens and wider landscaping. A wild flower meadow has been planted in front of the house which sits to the edge of a 12 hectare site.