Nestled within the South Downs National Park, Andlers Wood in Liss, Hampshire is a project that asked a lot of us from the very beginning.
How do you deliver 77 contemporary homes within one of Britain's most protected landscapes, whilst genuinely enhancing what's already there?
Working alongside Cala Homes, we let the land lead the way. Catslide roofs, dormer windows, interconnected green and blue infrastructure, diagonal views towards Butser Hill. Every decision was rooted in the landscape, not imposed upon it.
40% of the homes are affordable. A fabric-first sustainability approach achieves 15% carbon emission reductions and 19% energy demand savings.
Through close collaboration with the Design Review Panel and an extensive public consultation process, the SDNP Planning Committee gave their unanimous approval. Sensitive design, technical certainty, and a genuine shared vision for the South Downs.
Full project details via the link in our bio.
#architecture #livingwell #SouthDowns #NationalPark #masterplanning #landscapedesign #housingdesign
A workplace that brings people together.
Bankside House started as a 1960s office in need of a new chapter. What it became is something we're really proud of. A space where people actually want to spend time, where lunch breaks are taken together, where conversations flow naturally, and where the building itself has become part of what makes the company a brilliant place to work.
The design tells that story visually, too. Bold black corrugated aluminium wraps the new entrance rotunda, warm orange-brown panels reference Van Oord's Rotterdam headquarters, and exposed services give the interior an honest, industrial character that feels fresh and considered. Every material choice was made with purpose.
At the heart of it all sits the 'Social Link'. A central gathering space designed to bring people together, whether that's a quick catch-up, a team lunch, or welcoming a new face through the door.
Because the best workplaces do more than provide a desk. They shape culture, inspire people, and make a lasting impression.
📍 Small Dole, West Sussex
📷 Daniel Shearing
#workplacedesign #retrofitarchitecture #commercialarchitecture #interiordesign #sustainabledesign #architecturephotography #britisharchitecture #officedesign
Last night reminded us why honest cross-industry conversations matter so much. 🌿 Our very own Toine Hodgkiss joined an incredible group of speakers at our #WomeninConstructionSussex and G4C in Sussex event, having an honest discussion on sustainability in construction.
What made the evening special wasn't just the topic. It was the room. Planners, architects, engineers, contractors, and sustainability consultants – all at different stages of their careers. No polished presentations. Just real experience, real challenges, and real ideas.
Toine shared something close to our hearts here at ECE Architecture: set the brief early, bring sustainability into the conversation from day one, and see the bigger picture of the lasting value.
And Lisa Hocking from Tournay-Godfrey added something that also resonated – that our responsibility doesn't end when a building is handed over. Monitoring energy efficiency post-occupancy is how we learn what's actually working, and how we make better decisions on every project that follows. It's a mindset shift the whole industry needs. It's the kind of thinking that shapes how we approach every project. And it's so much more powerful when it's part of a wider team effort.
Because as the evening kept reminding us – it takes a village. 🏘️
A huge thank you to Kemi Owoeye (@willmottdixon ), Megan Smith (ECE Planning), Lisa Hocking (Tourney-Godfrey), Sophie Rowson (@deltagreen_ ), Ben Coombs (@macconvilles ) and Rosie Barnes (@baxallc ), our Women in Construction Sussex team, G4C in Sussex and the Constructing Excellence Sussex Club for helping us make it happen. 📷 @mikebdesigns
Here's to more evenings like that one. 👏 #ECEArchitecture #WomenInConstruction #Sustainability #ArchitectureMatters #G4C
#ConstructingExcellence #BuildingBetter #Architecture #SussexArchitecture
Retrofit work demands a different mindset. The unknowns are part of the brief, and the skill lies in how we navigate them.
We've been expanding our retrofit practice across education, housing, commercial, and hospitality projects, and we've learned a few things worth sharing:
✔️ Understand the sector-specific priorities
Each building type has unique functional requirements. A college needs to stay operational during works; a heritage building demands a different conversation about character and performance.
✔️ Know your building intimately
Thorough investigation – before and during works – is non-negotiable. Surveys reveal what drawings cannot.
✔️ Design for the unexpected
Build tolerance into your details. Older structures rarely match their documentation, and rigid specifications create problems on site.
✔️ Plan realistic programmes and budgets
Surprises are inevitable. Adequate contingency isn't pessimism – it's realism.
✔️ Value the embodied heritage
Existing buildings often possess qualities worth preserving alongside the improvements we make. Performance and character aren't mutually exclusive.
We've documented our experience across three significant retrofit projects – technical insights, detailed case studies, and the honest lessons from our most challenging transformations.
Read more in our retrofit brochure (link in bio).
#retrofitarchitecture #reuse #regenerativedesign
Earlier this week, some of our student female leaders had the amazing opportunity to visit ECE Architecture Studio in Worthing to explore all things architecture ✨
We heard from inspiring women across the industry – from assistant architects to fully qualified architects, as well as town planners, HR and marketing professionals. It was eye-opening to see that architecture isn’t just about being on a construction site – it’s a diverse, creative career with so many different pathways, and one that is absolutely open to women.
We learned about the different routes into the profession, the step-by-step process of designing a house and bringing it to life, explored 3D models and technical drawings, toured the studio, and even gained valuable advice on CV writing and what makes a strong application. Perfect timing as this week is National @careersweek 2026!
“A truly inspiring day that gave us so much to think about as we plan our futures” 💭🏗️
New photography of our completed #passivhaus scheme in Worthing.
If you watched "Guy Martin's House without Bills", you'll have seen what's possible when we commit to building homes that exceed minimum standards and work for the residents who live within them.
Guy Martin showed the dedication it takes to create homes that genuinely work better with lower cost and real comfort. Whether that's retrofitting a 1930s semi-detached or designing from scratch, the principles of Passivhaus works.
We've just received new photography of Victoria Road in Worthing, emergency accommodation for women and children, and one of the town's first certified Passivhaus projects.
When you're designing for families rebuilding their lives, Passivhaus isn't just about hitting energy targets. It's about lower bills they can afford, healthier air they can breathe, and consistent warmth they can rely on. The technical rigour serves a human purpose.
It's one thing to see Passivhaus explained on television.
It's another to walk past it in your own town and know the standard is doing exactly what it should.
Learn more about the project on our website (link in bio).
📷 by Daniel Shearing
@passivhaustrust #Worthing #architecture #Passivhaus #Retrofit #EnergyBills #Climate #GuyMartin #Channel4 #socialhousing
Together is better
In January, we brought the ECE Group together in London Bridge – and what a day it
was. We kicked things off with a site visit to Tower Bridge Court, a project we're genuinely proud of. Walking through the space as a team, seeing the warm interiors, the thoughtful details, and the way natural light fills every corner – it reminded us exactly why we do what we do.
This building has heart.
From the urban-mined steel that gives it structure, to the calm atmosphere designed to help people feel at ease, and the cycle-friendly facilities encouraging healthier commutes. It's proof that when we work together, we can create spaces that truly matter.
The best part? Spending the day with brilliant people who care deeply about the work we create. We talked, we laughed, we shared ideas, and yes – we stayed for drinks afterwards for the teams to have more time together.
Here's to our team, collaboration, and to creating spaces we can all be proud of.
#ECEGroup #Architecture #TeamCulture #Collaboration #SustainableDesign #LondonArchitecture #TowerBridgeCourt
Behind every sustainable building is a team of people who truly care 💚
Our Sustainability Working Group is a brilliant group of people who meet quarterly, challenge conventions, and push us to do better for our industry, our clients, and our planet.
Across our dedicated sub-groups, our team members are embedding sustainability into everything we do. From monitoring building performance long after handover to recycling our studio crisp packets, they're making a difference every single day.
This year also marks a significant moment for the group. We want to say a huge thank you to Patrick Osborne, our outgoing Head of Sustainability, whose passion and dedication has helped shape who we are today. Your leadership has been invaluable, and we're incredibly grateful for everything you've achieved.
We're thrilled to pass the torch to Doug Stewart, in his extended remit at Head of Social and Environmental Impact. We can't wait to see where he'll take us.
To everyone in our Sustainability Working Group: thank you for your hard work🌱
Read the ECE Group annual sustainability report on our website now (link in bio).
#sustainablearchitecture #regenerativepractice #sustainability #teamappreciation
Happy new year from ECE ✨
What a year it's been. Projects handed over and now in use. Sites progressing through every season. A brilliant team growing stronger: promotions earned, anniversaries celebrated, fresh faces bringing new energy.
We've also taken the time to refresh our identity. New look, same values. Same commitment to working alongside the people who trust us with their visions.
None of it happens without collaboration, care, and a shared belief in what's possible. So thank you. To our brilliant team, clients, partners, and everyone who's been part of the journey.
Here's to a promising 2026. To the projects still unfolding, the challenges ahead, and the possibility we'll unlock together.
#HappyNewYear #Architecture #YearInReview #ECEArchitecture #BuiltEnvironment #DesignStudio #2025
❄️ Winter site visits hit different, and the site progress at Acre Wood is no exception.
The first concrete slabs are down for what will become the main hall of this new 60-place secondary SEN school in Crowborough.
Acre Wood isn't just another school. It's a carefully crafted environment designed specifically for young people with special educational needs, from Autism Spectrum Disorder to profound and multiple learning disabilities. Every single design decision has been made with their unique needs at heart.
There's something special about watching your designs transform from sketches to concrete reality. Each slab poured brings us one step closer to creating a space where students will learn, grow, and truly thrive.
Can't wait to see this come to life. 🏗️
Huge thanks to the @willmottdixon team for capturing these progress shots.
#ECEArchitecture #EducationArchitecture #SENschool #InclusiveDesign #Architecture #SchoolDesign #Construction #EastSussex #SpecialNeeds #PurposeDrivenDesign #ArchitectureForGood #Crowborough
Five years on 🌳 We're looking back at Etchingham Barns School, a project that shows that thoughtful design gets better with time.
Three timber barns framing a community square. A space where learning, play, and village life naturally intersect.
Revisiting after five years, we loved seeing how the design matured:
✨ Timber cladding beautifully weathered
✨ Landscape fully settled in
✨ The square thriving as the community's social heart
The school continues to perform exactly as intended: bright classrooms flow onto outdoor spaces, pupils move seamlessly between inside and out, and the wider community benefits from shared facilities.
This is what happens when educational design aligns with local character and long-term thinking: spaces that grow with their community.
A project we remain deeply proud of. Enduring, connected, and truly at the heart of village life.
📸 Swipe to compare: completion day vs. 5 years later
🔗 Full project details on our website (link in bio)
#ECEArchitecture #educationarchitecture #communitydesign #learningenvironments #lastingvalue #sustainabledesign #timberarchitecture #schooldesign #beforeandafter
What we've learnt designing schools across the UK 🏫
Working in education is incredibly rewarding – every project shapes how the next generation learns and grows. Here's what our education team has learnt about creating inspiring learning environments:
✨ Wow moments don't need big budgets
Sometimes the simplest design moves create the biggest impact. It's about being clever, not costly.
🚶♀️ Corridors are underrated
Why settle for transit spaces when you can create flexible learning hubs? Every square metre counts in school design.
☀️ Natural light is everything
Get this right and you've solved half the brief. Bright, comfortable spaces where everyone wants to spend time.
But, the real magic happens when you involve the whole school community in the design process. Teachers, pupils, and parents bring insights that transform good design into great design.
Learn more about how we design exceptional school on our website (link in bio) 🔗
#ECEArchitecture #educationarchitecture #schooldesign #learningspaces #UKArchitecture
