Ecotecture is an award-winning RIBA chartered eco architects practice based in West Sussex
Ecotecture Architects are involved in all stages of the construction project. Our services run in line with the RIBA Plan of works, and we are happy to be appointed on various levels of service to suit the type and scale of a given project.
Whilst being a West Sussex based eco architects practice, Ecotecture is comfortable in offering services to homeowners, developers and contractors throughout the South East UK.
Our Expertise
As experienced residential architects, Ecotecture provides services to Sussex homeowners who want to extend, convert, refurbish or remodel their home. From single storey extensions, to large scale barn conversions and new builds, we pride ourselves in delivering beautiful buildings that enhance our clients’ lives and the local built environment. We design homes which respond to their site position, orientation & location with respect to the environment, energy efficiency and existing vernacular.
We offer services at all stages through the RIBA Plan of Works, from preparation and brief through concept design, planning, building regulations, technical design, tender packs and on-site project management.
Our team has qualifications in energy efficiency with awards in conservation and recognition for outstanding design, delivering buildings which genuinely reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
We specialise in the restoration, conservation and conversion of historic buildings including
Grade I, II and II*.
We offer our clients full architectural design services from inception to completion which includes: listed building surveys, designs for new extensions or internal alterations and listed building consent applications. Our projects include extension of historic buildings, listed barn conversions, new builds in conservation areas and refurbishing listed buildings.
We have a wealth of experience working on commercial developments and can provide services for projects in Sussex and across the South of England. We have designed a variety of buildings for a large number of users, including but not limited to coffee shops, offices, pubs and retail shops. Our commercial architect’s services range from feasibility studies and consultation to concept design and planning process.
By carefully listening to our clients’ expectations, we turn their vision into a viable concept design; a building that is not just sustainable and flexible, but one that also meets the developer’s financial requirements.
Masterplanning is about long-term strategic planning. We undertake a landscape-led approach to masterplanning and we carefully consider the characteristics of the site, its opportunities and constraints and the ambition for a new build development.
We are experienced in developing both urban and rural masterplans, such as Moira House. Whether you're a landowner or a developer looking to realise the business potential of your area, we are here to collaborate with you.
Sustainability
We are an eco focused RIBA Chartered Practice and we work with both developers & private clients to create award-winning buildings which have as little environmental impact as possible. Whether designing residential houses, extensions or commercial buildings we have sustainability embedded into our design approach, where appropriate. Across the Sussex area, we have completed buildings with triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, air tightness, ground and air source heat pumps and numerous other building fabric solutions to significantly benefit our clients and compliment the surroundings.
Our Clients
"Moon Tree have worked with Ecotecture on all our projects from extensions, one off new builds to multi unit developments for the last decade. On a professional level, their attention to detail and incredible eye for design is second to none. How much they care about every project is always very evident. They also have a wealth of experience that is essential when undertaking or planning any project. On a personal level, they are all just lovely people who are wonderful to work with"
- Oli
"We were extremely happy with the service provided by Ecotecture at all stages of the project.
From pre-planning meetings with the Heritage Officer, design suggestions and drawings, selection of the building firm, monthly onsite meetings with us, liaison with Valley Builders, through to the end-of-project snagging process, we could not fault them, and we could not be happier with the results!"
- Little Colliers
Our Architecture Projects
Retrofit, Rear Extension, Internal Alterations
The Quaker Meeting House, a Grade II listed building in Lewes dating back to 1784, has served as a place of worship for over 360 years. Located near the High Street and close to the station, the building features a beautiful front garden and a rear car park.
Our project focused on improving the building's energy efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility. We demolished an existing first floor modern extension, added a single-storey rear extension, made internal alterations, and enhanced landscaping. We also consolidated the existing retaining wall and retrofitted the building with natural materials for better energy performance.
This renovation ensures the Meeting House remains a valuable heritage asset aligned with the Quakers' commitment to a sustainable future.
St Johns Roman Catholic Seminary
Change of Use, Retrofit
We converted and extended the old St. John's Seminary in Wonersh, Guildford, into 52 residential homes & new carbon neutral appartments.
This project included demolishing old outbuildings and making changes inside the main building. We also added extensions to the Lodge and Lower Lodge, and redesigned the farm buildings for new homes. The project features new landscaping, parking, and communal spaces. We created a new road access and converted the chapel into a residents’ gym and spa.
The seminary will now offer modern homes while preserving its serene, rural charm.
Extension, Retrofit
Situated in the Sussex countryside, the Moon Tree project involved transforming a mundane two-storey property into a modern house. The project included front and rear extensions, two new outbuildings, and extensive energy-efficient upgrades.
Initially, the outbuilding was constructed to test new building techniques and serve as a temporary home for the client during the main build. The main house features high insulation, a ground source heat pump, high-performance doors and windows, and water-saving measures. We used locally sourced materials and a natural colour palette to ensure the design complemented its surroundings, all while adhering to Passive House principles.