What We Did For The Client:
A couple living abroad harboured the dream of returning to the UK to build their dream home. Their vision was a modern, cozy house that offered expansive open spaces, an abundance of naturallight through extensive glazing, and a connection with nature. They entrusted STAAC with the realization of this project, aiming for a home that balanced aesthetic appeal with functional design. “STAAC helped us to fulfil our dreams in building our fabulous new home in Horsham. We’re very happy here—thank you again.”
Minimizing energy costs was a key design priority, resulting in the integration of an advanced energy system by Optimum Heating, renowned for delivering the best energy efficiency systems in the UK. This system reduces the home's dependence on the electricity grid, especially during peak winter usage when demand (and prices) are at their highest. This is complemented by composite cladding and decking made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics, along with solar thermal panels, reducing energy use and the home’s carbon footprint.
With a total build cost of £785,000 (VAT-exempt at 0%) and a cost of £1,962.50 per square meter (excluding fixtures and fittings), the project achieved a high-quality, modern home while maintaining a carefully managed budget.
Objectives:
- To create a 4-bedroom house with a built-in garage, embodying modern architecture with cozy living spaces.
- To ensure the house is south-facing, maximizing sunlight exposure and providing views of the garden and surrounding greenery.
- To integrate sustainable and high-quality materials in the construction, ensuring durability and a contemporary look.
Key Sustainable Features Include:
- Energy System: The home's energy system, designed and installed by Optimum Heating achieve over 500% efficiency in heating. This means it generates more than five times the energy it consumes. Key components include a Viessmann heat pump, a high-efficiency hot water system, underfloor heating for even warmth, solar panels for both hot water and electricity generation, and battery storage to store excess solar energy.
- Metal Roofing: Sourced from South Coast Metal Roofing, chosen for its 100% recyclability and lower energy requirements during production.
- Sedum Green Roofs: Supplied by GrufeKit, these roofs enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife and retaining up to 50% of rainfall, contributing to efficient water management.
- Cladding and Decking: Provided by Ecoscape, the composite materials, made from reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastics, offer an eco-friendly alternative to timber.
Suppliers and Materials: The project was brought to life with the help of various suppliers, each contributing to different aspects ofthe house, in detail:
- South Coast Metal Roofing (Brighton): Supplied and fitted the aluminium roof to the main house.
- Grufekit Provided the sedum roof for the rear flat roof area.
- Ecoscape: Supplied decking and cladding materials.
- Crosswater, RaK, Easybathrooms: Sources for bathroom fittings.
- Supplier in Mainland Spain: Tiles for walls and floors.
- Express Bi-folding Doors: Supplied and fitted doors and windows.
- Morgan Ellis Lifts: Provided and installed the home lift.
- Halo Interiors (Horsham): Supplied and fitted the kitchen.
- Simply Bamboo (Arundel): Bamboo flooring materials.
- Arc Fabrication (Ringmer): Steelwork supplies.
- Brewers: Paint supplies.
- Travis Perkins, Alsford and Jewson: Building materials.

The Design and Build: The heart of the design was big, open living spaces that merged seamlessly with the outdoors. The ground floor, featuring aspacious kitchen, dining, and living area, faced south and opened directly intothe garden. The design included a double-height space in the living room for additional light. The exterior combined render, wood cladding, and extensive glazing for a modern, welcoming look. South-facing master bedrooms offered stunning views, aligning with the homeowners’ desires.
The Outcome: The result was a 400m² modern four-bedroom house that encourages interaction. The design promotes open spaces for family gatherings and quiet moments. Large glass doors connect the indoors to the outdoors, bringing nature inside. In just one year, the home was finished and ready for them to move in by March 2024.
Our build partner Jon Allen and the Conserve team, turned detailed plans into reality. This collaboration resulted in bespoke design and construction, leaving the clients thrilled with their new home. Jon, reflecting on the success of this project, took a well-earned vacation, leaving behind a legacy of satisfied clients and a home that’s a true masterpiece. Now, with just the garden's final touches waiting for some dry weather, the dream home is nearly complete.