A design-led, contemporary & quality driven Architectural studio in Brighton. We put our clients wants and needs at the fore of the design process.

Brighton based Architects | Hove | Sussex | EN Architects

St Aubyns, Hove, Brighton

RIBA Stage: 0 - 4 (Design + Building Regulations)
Project Value: £115,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant), BLB Engineers (Structural Engineers)

We are often asked to work on the redesign of Listed Buildings, those in conservation areas or buildings with historical value. As such we have a range of experience in working with Listed building in Brighton and Hove as well as the surrounding area of Sussex and beyond. 

This Grade 2 listed flat formed the ground floor of a former Victorian town house and compromised generous spaces and high ceilings in the principle rooms. However some later additions meant that kitchen and bathroom would benefit from internal alterations that would elevate them to the same level. 

The clients goals were to extend out into the garden to create new kitchen and dining areas with better links to their existing outdoor space, whilst internally, the existing kitchen could become a spacious and generous family bathroom, much more suited to the grandeur of the existing home.

We think it is important that our designs are always considerate of the materials and design of the existing buildings we work on, whilst maintaining the narrative of the buildings evolution. With that in mind, our proposals for this project were a contemporary addition which complemented the existing building whilst the fully glazed link emphasised the connection between new and old. 

In order to communicate our ideas to the planners we provided a range of architectural drawings and graphics to illustrate our vision."



Crescent House, Woodingdean, Brighton

RIBA Stage: 0 - 4 (Design + Building Regulations)
Project Value: £250,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: McBeth Structural (Structural Engineer), Total Building Control (Approved Inspector)

As part of their bungalow loft conversion, our clients needed three additional bedrooms and wanted a better connection to the garden in order to transform this detached bungalow into a spacious and comfortable home for a growing family. 

In order to resolve challenges with the levels of the site and negate issues presented by a dated and poorly built conservatory, we designed a split level garden room that connected the garden, living room and kitchen diner. This vaulted and light filled space incorporates corner glazing, sliding doors and neat balustrades coloured in a vibrant yellow, to provide visual links between all of the key family spaces, whilst maintaining a degree of separation in order that parents could keep a watchful eye on children whilst allowing them space to play and grow.

By replacing the entire roof incorporating a dormer extension, we were able to create sufficient space in the new loft to accommodate a double height entrance, three new bedrooms and two new bathrooms, satisfying the functional requirements of the house and ensuring the new building still related to the existing neighbours comfortably.

Spring House, Telscombe, Peacehaven

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design + Construction)
Project Value: £125,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: JGJR Langridge (Main Contractor), Haworth McCall (Structural Engineer)

This project emphasised the value in building great client relationships, and ensuring that the clients have a hand in the design and detail of the project. These are guiding principles of EN Architects and in this case meant we not only felt part of the family, but that the clients felt part of the process throughout.

The original house had been through a series of extensions and modifications over the years and as a consequence the layout felt piecemeal and disjointed. Our solution was not to create any additional floor area, but to use a contemporary design to rationalise the existing space so that it worked better for the family. We replaced the dated conservatory with a bespoke mono-pitch roof and vaulted ceiling which opened up to the garden and sky beyond, and with some significant structural alterations by our creative engineer allowed the the internal spaces to breathe. We used the new structural framework to define the new open plan space to create a connected feel with defined areas for living, dining and cooking.

Much of our time in the detail stage was spent sourcing and detailing the new glazing to the garden which was to form such an important part of the design. We ensured that the incredible new full height glazed doors and windows were detailed with precision to avoid any unnecessary visual obstruction to the garden space beyond and the previously gloomy kitchen is now flooded with light.

We are thrilled to have created a contemporary home on budget for our client that can now adapt with them in the future.


Alfan Lane

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £450,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant)

We were thrilled to be asked by one of regular developer clients to design their family home for them, which we took as a sign of our excellent working relationship and eye for detail. The project involved a change of use application from the existing community church to residential use, and dealing with challenging site constraints. 

We focussed on using traditional residential details with box bay windows, soldier courses and projecting header bricks, all of which added detail and texture to the building.

Alfan Lane, Dartford, Kent

West Mare Lane

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £150,000
Sector: Residential, Private

We really enjoyed working with this husband and wife team to transform their faded Art Deco building in to a modern family home. We provided design advice and planning support to convert the former servants kitchen, scullery and preparation area in to 3 additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and then converted the former ballroom in to a generous and light filled family room with open plan kitchen, dining and living space.

In addition we introduced the idea of Juliet balconies to the first floor bedrooms, so these principle rooms could take advantage of the stunning views over the gardens and countryside beyond. These design features also help give balance and proportion to the main elevation.

West Mare Lane, Pulborough

Fairmount Road

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £600,000
Sector: Residential, Developer

Backland development plots are sites that sit behind an established building line of existing housing or other development. The area may have been reclaimed from existing plots or have been previously used as storage sheds or or garages. This plot of land was the latter, and in an area of London where property prices were rising rapidly, the owner wanted to maximise the value of that land.

Often the challenge with these sites is that they are overlooked on one or more sides and so the architecture needs to inventive and creative in order to avoid issues with privacy and overlooking. 

Our solution here was to create a bespoke single house type that is mirrored for efficiency, with the houses looking inward toward their own internal garden, rather than outward across neighbouring gardens. The treatment of the elevations reflects that dual approach, with robust monolithic brickwork on the outward facing elevations, but much more open and glazed treatment on the inner courtyard facing elements.

The result is a contemporary design which creates peaceful and tranquil spaces where you would least expect it.

Brixton Backland, London

The Plat

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design + Construction)
Project Value: £150,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: Wilbury Planning (Planning consultant), Arbtech (Arboriculturalist)

We were commissioned by a family living in a detached house in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), to remodel their home and create a better connection to the garden. The home consisted of a series of separate but connected rooms where the flow of space was disjointed and lacked cohesion. In addition the family needed a spare room that could offer flexibility as a guest room, home office, gym or yoga space.

Our design uses natural materials, large areas of glazing and deep window reveals to create a home that is principally open-plan and spacious but maintains separation and flexibility. Often our clients want to focus on creating a central open plan space, but we feel it is essential that a home gives flexibility and allows the whole family to use the spaces freely as the family grows and changes. 


Garden House Extension, Fairwarp, Uckfield

Off The Fence, Portslade, Brighton

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design + Construction)
Project Value: £550,000
Sector: Community, Healthcare
Consultants: Woodhart Group (Contractor), Fab My Life (Interior Design), CMK Planning (Planning Consultant), Total Building Control (Approved Inspector)

We were privileged to support local charity, Off The Fence, to provide a new women's centre to a recently purchased commercial space. This important facility provides a welcoming, safe space for women going through a time of crisis or emotional difficulty, so it was essential that our designs were creative, considered and inventive. 

The key aspirations for the project were to provide a safe space for the women it supported, and that accessibility, a sense of home, and feelings of safety and tranquillity prevailed. We also needed to maximise the potential of the available land by building on 95% of the site all whilst keeping a handle on the small budget. As such we needed to be efficient and subtle in our use of design features using height, volume and light to create a main space that made occupants look up, catching glimpses of the sky, passing clouds and swaying trees to evoke feelings of peace and stillness.

EN Architects provided design, planning, detail design and contractual support for the charity from the project's inception through to completion.

South Coast Road

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £325,000
Sector: Mixed use, Residential, Commercial
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant), BLB Engineers (Structural Engineers)

One of our regular developer clients approached us with an opportunity to work on a commercial conversion and mixed use development providing 100% affordable housing just outside of Brighton. The site consists of a commercial unit with a flat above, and a single storey residential unit to the rear. We regularly work with developers on mixed use schemes to assess viability and maximise the potential value of a site.

Working closely with the planning consultant at CMK Planning, we designed a two storey rear extension with dormer that dealt carefully with the challenges of overlooking neighbouring gardens. Further internal remodelling allowed us to provide an additional four residential units which will initially be used as temporary housing to support the most vulnerable in the community.

South Coast Road, Peacehaven, Brighton

Western Road

RIBA Stage: 0 - 4 (Design + Building Regulations)
Project Value: £235,000
Sector: Residential, Developer

We are often asked by developers to maximise the value of an existing planning permission, and so it was with this new build detached house just outside Hassocks. Our client wanted to rationalise the existing layout and provide ensuite bathrooms and vaulted ceilings to all bedrooms. In addition we redesigned the elevations to give greater balance and symmetry to the design whilst adding simple feature brick detailing to add a richness to the design.

As we were amending an existing planning application, it was important that our architectural drawings were consistent with the original application.

It is the age old mantra of architects that ""God is in the details"" and we at EN Architects are focussed on providing thoughtful and carefully detailed buildings that create beautiful spaces while satisfying statutory building regulations, health and safety requirements.

Western Road, Hurstpierpoint

Rathcoole Gardens

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design + Construction)
Project Value: £95,000
Sector: Residential, Private

For this North London extension and remodelling project, our client needed an architect to help them extend their existing ground floor flat by adding an additional bedroom and providing a better connection to the garden. 

We created a design focussed around an inner courtyard, which filled the former kitchen space and new additional bedroom with light. We extended in to the garden converting the former bedroom to a kitchen with new dining and living spaces that opened out to their beautiful landscaped garden. The former kitchen and living space were converted to two new bedrooms.

Throughout the planning process it was necessary to use our flexible and creative approach to resolve feedback from the planning authority in order to produce a design that satisfied both our clients requirements and those of the planners and neighbours.

The final design, linked by the inner courtyard, provides a series of light filled connecting spaces that use level changes to provide the feel of an open plan layout. All provided on time and on budget.


Crouch End Conversion, London

Maylands Drive

RIBA Stage: 0 - 4 (Design + Building Regulations)
Project Value: £325,000
Sector: Residential, Developer
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant), BLB Engineers (Structural Engineer)

One of our regular developer clients approached us with an interesting concept for this fairly simple but prominent site in Sidcup. The vision was to create a bold residential development that provided five additional homes and garden space, but also addressed the corner and the open public space in front of it. 

During the feasibility and concept design stages, we used a range of 3d architectural rendering to convey our ideas for the site. The design evolved to incorporate side and rear extension with dormer windows.

By using both the layout of the surrounding area and passive surveillance as guiding principles, we have stitched the corner of this residential estate together and provided homes which overlook the public amenity space. This has allowed us to create homes which benefit from the natural outlook and also help lift the space itself by encouraging positive uses of the site.

Sidcup Extension, London

Woodlea Road

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £25,000
Sector: Residential, Private

For this side and rear infill extension, our client was not clear on the direction they wanted to go in. Consequently our standard approach of producing multiple sketch options was perfect for them and allowed us to really understand what it is they wanted to achieve from their project. We then provided several 3d architectural renders to convey our ideas. We often produce a variety of architectural drawings and graphics so that clients can fully understand our vision.

One of the key challenges with rear extensions is how to deal with the room which is enclosed by the new extension. In this case we split the room to create a dual home office space and library space accessed from the front room, and used the rear portion to accommodate part of the extended kitchen. We enhanced this kitchen space by flooding the room with natural light from rooflights, and a feature wraparound eaves rooflight that connects the open plan space with the garden and sky.



Woodlea Extension, Worthing

Oriental Place

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £75,000
Sector: Mixed use, Residential, Commercial
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant)

For this interesting project we were asked by our client to work alongside CMK Planning to convert this Grade 2 listed hotel back to a family dwelling. 

Over the years this former Victorian townhouse had been adapted to accommodate commercial hotel use and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. As a consequence many of its features and proportions had been lost. 

Our first task was to understand the buildings history and we always search historical archives to understand the buildings story. We then use these documents and historic plans to reinstate the original dimensions where possible. This approach not only ensures that we act in the best interest of the building, but also demonstrates that that our designs are considered, well researched and appropriate to the the planning and conservation officers.


Listed Hotel Conversion, Brighton

Great College Street

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £95,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning Consultant)

When our client was looking for an architect to work on this beautifully proportioned Victorian terraced house in the heart of Kemptown's conservation area, they needed a Brighton architect who could understand the best way to achieve planning approval whilst ensuring they achieved everything that they needed. 

The project was a challenging one in that the goals were to create an additional storey on the existing rear extension and a new roof terrace. We worked alongside CMK Planning and the planning officer to design an extension that was modest, well considered and appropriate to this historic building.

Conservation Conversion, Kemptown, Brighton

Downs Park, Tottenham, London

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £50,000
Sector: Leisure, Community

We often take part in competitions, which allows us to test ideas and investigate new areas of design. For this park project we proposed use of simple robust furniture to give structure and focus to a park that lacked cohesion and suffered issues with antisocial behaviour. 

Rather than creating spaces that prevented activities taking place, we proposed giving the spaces purpose and reasons to occupy them thus creating a public space that was naturally safe by occupation.


Park Competition, Tottenham, London

Poets Corner Extension

Poets Corner Refurbishment

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design and Construction)

Project Value: £50,000

Sector: Residential, Private

Consultants: CMK Planning (Planning consultant)

We worked with the homeowners to completely transform this run down and shabby Victorian terrace to provide a vibrant and contemporary family home that respected its historic bones.
Subtle alterations and thoughtful restoration combined with bold colour choices and beautiful furniture helped keep refurbishment costs under control whilst remaining high quality.

The Warren, Woodingdean, Brighton

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design and Construction)
Project Value: £125,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: Mapleview Properties (Client Consultant), Fab My Life (Interior Design)

Some projects are driven predominantly by the site's location, and so it was with this bespoke design on the brow of the Sussex Downs with views toward the sea and over Rottingdean village below. 

Initially our client wanted a simple bungalow loft conversion to better connect with the garden and to create two additional bedrooms for their growing family. 

We developed the brief and achieved this by firstly creating a new extension to maximise views to the south and free up internal spaces allowing us to convert to new bedroom spaces with a cleaner and more rational layout. 

We then raised the roof slightly allowing us to accommodate a new bedroom and ensuite with contemporary inset balcony at first floor level with breath-taking views to toward the sea.

Home extension, Patcham, Brighton

RIBA Stage: 0 - 5 (Design and Construction)
Project Value: £95,000
Sector: Residential, Private
Consultants: Wilbury Planning (Planning consultant)

Often we do not need to create a lot of additional area to satisfy our client's brief, but work creatively to use the existing area to better effect. Here we adapted the existing rear extension, widening it slightly but giving it a new pitched roof so that the new kitchen and dining spaces were flooded by light and straddled by an asymmetrical vaulted ceiling.

In addition to adding a new garden office and a creating an off road parking space, the key focus of the design was to provide a family space that had a level access to the garden on this sloping and stepped site. In order to ensure an efficient design, we provided a raised patio that offers a space for children to play whilst in view of their parents, and a series of raised planting beds to shelter and enclose this extra space.

To enhance the contemporary design, we used diamond terracotta wall tiling to create texture and pattern.


Eldred Extension, Patcham, Brighton

Three Acres

RIBA Stage: 0 - 3 (Design)
Project Value: £250,000
Sector: Residential, private

For this exciting project, we were asked by our client to transform the appearance of the property and almost double the internal floor space all within a tight budget. It was essential that we worked within the constraints of the strict local planning guidelines and we established a good working relationship with the planning officer. The site parameters presented by the tight suburban environment meant our architecture needed to be bold, creative and considerate of the prevailing character and materials of the street.

Our response was to design a two storey side extension that complemented the existing feature gable of the building without competing with it, and unified the disconnected existing extensions to the front elevation by providing a linear canopy and new cladding. We completed the transformation of the front elevation by adjusting the dimensions of the high windows, providing full height glazing giving generously proportioned and light filled bedrooms. Finally we added a feature circular window to act as a beacon to the street facing gable.

It was essential that our choice of materials was considerate of the traditional vernacular of the surrounding buildings. In addition to introducing simple brick detailing to frame the new extensions, we also used a Flemish bond brickwork in order to differentiate the new side extension form the existing building. This technique allowed us to tell the story of the building's evolution whilst ensuring all parts work in harmony.

Three Acres, Horsham

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