London-based architecture studio Selencky Parsons has completed Bulls Barn, an innovative family residence in England's South Downs National Park that cleverly disguises its substantial size by appearing as a cluster of three separate cottages. The 540-square-meter home combines traditional materials like terracotta-toned clay tiles and raw flint to create a design that seamlessly blends with its rural surroundings.
The architectural firm deliberately divided the building's volume to make the large home feel cozy and intimate despite its considerable size. The project was designed for a couple with grown children, with the specific goal of creating a practical living space that could easily accommodate extended family visits. "The broken-down massing is also designed to allow the house to nestle comfortably into its landscape setting amongst the existing mature trees on the site," explained David Parsons, architect and studio co-founder.
Parsons emphasized the visual impact of this design approach, noting that "from the surrounding fields, the house is viewed more as a collection of smaller structures with varying roof orientations set within the trees, rather than one overbearing large house." The three-story property features a clear distinction between its upper and lower volumes, highlighted by a strategic change in materials that enhances the cottage-like appearance.
The upper sections of the building are clad in clay tiles and clearly separated into three gabled blocks, each serving distinct functions. One block operates as a completely self-contained two-bedroom apartment, while the remaining six bedrooms are distributed across the other two sections. This arrangement provides flexibility for family living and guest accommodation, allowing different parts of the house to function independently when needed.
The ground floor layout takes a more fluid approach, with flint walls interspersed with large expanses of glazing to create flexible communal family spaces. The architects specifically chose flint because of its local availability and historical significance in the region. "Flint has traditionally been used to build walls for centuries," Parsons explained. "Farmers remove flint from the surrounding fields, so it is essentially a waste product. It also provides an ideal textured backdrop to the landscape planting that surrounds the house."
The most dramatic use of flint appears in two striking chimney breasts that extend alongside two of the three gabled blocks. These features provide fireplaces for both the living room and a space between the dining room and snug area. "Chimneys are traditionally made from stone, but using flint for the fireplaces gave the opportunity to bring that beautiful rural texture into the interior in a controlled way," Parsons noted. "It's a bold statement that helps to define the living spaces and bring character."
The interior design maintains a more neutral palette throughout the rest of the home, with stone floors connecting the ground-floor rooms to patio terraces, while timber flooring and joinery add warmth to the spaces. Parsons highlighted the importance of the home's connection to its surroundings, explaining that "you are constantly aware of the fantastic views to the South Downs, which vary in scale from the large glazed expanse of the entrance atrium, to the long landscape window seat in the kitchen or to a simple window opening in a guest bedroom. These views are drawn into the interior and provide a continual presence throughout the house."
The new structure replaced a 1960s house that was considered beyond renovation. Bulls Barn was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating carbon-neutral features including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, triple glazing, and a ground source heat pump. These environmental considerations ensure the home operates efficiently while maintaining its traditional aesthetic appeal.
Parsons views this project as an exemplary model for designing homes that can accommodate varied occupancy needs, similar to other projects in the studio's portfolio including Bravura House and The Coach House. "Despite its large overall size, the house does feel homely and sensitively scaled as you move through its sequence of interior spaces," he concluded. The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can successfully honor traditional building forms while meeting modern family needs and environmental standards.
