Shadow Architecture in the Woods

Bluebell Cottage is a uniquely characterful woodland home on a historic green lane north of Lewes. Once a small woodsman’s cottage, it evolved into a patchwork of four mismatched extensions with poor light and flow. REAFE STUDIO’s redesign retains the original horseshoe footprint while replacing a low-quality infill with a light-filled modern structure centred around an internal picture garden. The exterior will be reclad in black Viroc boards, creating subtle “shadow architecture” that blends into the woodland. A new Craig Ellwood–inspired garden-facing extension introduces warm materials, exposed timber and expansive glazing to frame the surrounding landscape.