We are a creative team with a shared passion for solving everyday challenges. Logic, order and beautiful moments in our every day bring joy, calm and inspiration. We don’t resign ourselves to living in spaces that frustrate us and you shouldn’t either.The gestures may be grand, but they don’t have to be. Whatever the scale, they do need to be well thought through. We help you think things through and identify smart fixes for your everyday living.We established archangels ARCHITECTS in 2009 in Brighton and have since expanded to Bristol and the Isle of Wight. We are a friendly, approachable and award-winning architectural practice with a mission to create cost-effective, creative, low-energy buildings that improve everyday living. As a local business, we have built strong relationships with a trusted group of consultants and contractors. Our projects range from developer housing to bespoke new build homes to extensions and alterations of existing homes.We try to keep the design process simple. You share your lifestyle, challenges, ideas, priorities and dreams. We listen, guide, inspire, explore and collaborate. Together, we can create your dream home.
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 1ST
United Kingdom
This scheme in rural Hampshire proposes a new rural typology based on organic forms and a holistic approach to sustainability. Reversing traditional principles of opulent design and statements of wealth, we wanted this ‘country home of the future’ to respect, enhance and have minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. Built with local materials, the concept was that this building could be ‘reclaimed’ by the earth.
We sought and were granted Planning Permission for the scheme under paragraph 79 (formerly 55) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This policy allows building in the open countryside when a design is considered to be ‘architecturally truly outstanding or innovative.’
This award-winning project is a good example of how far a building transformation can go. Our starting point was a tired bungalow in a spectacular location. The goals were to maximise views, improve kerb appeal and create a light-filled and functional home that truly worked for this family.
The lightweight timber construction building features high-performance windows and doors and high levels of insulation. A home automation system controls heating and lighting efficiently, and a no-nonsense rainwater-harvesting tank does, well, exactly that! Underfloor heating and a wood-burning stove create cosy winter days.
As is standard in all of our projects, we specified AAA rated energy efficient appliances, low flush toilets, low flow rate taps, efficient light fixtures and environmentally friendly paints, helping save energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Our clients came to us with an old two-storey house on a large plot in the South Downs National Park.
The existing building was dark, small and inefficient, but the plot was the perfect place in which to create an energy efficient, contemporary family home. By demolishing the existing building and starting again, we were able to meet these goals in a harmonious way.
The highly insulated reinforced concrete superstructure is clad with a low maintenance palette of rough-cut stone, high-density stratified timber panels and render. A wood pellet boiler heats the home. Interior spaces are both uncluttered and comfortable due to the underfloor heating. Large areas of south-facing glass provide passive solar gain, which is controlled in summer months by the deep overhangs.