Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Architects in Eastbourne
Sustainable Design Collective is a multidisciplinary team of architects, environmental specialists, and construction professionals with over 35 years of combined experience in sustainable design and low-carbon construction. We specialise in delivering award-winning timber frame kit homes, Passivhaus-certified buildings, and comprehensive sustainability consultancy services. Our approach integrates architectural excellence with environmental responsibility, offering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and social housing projects. With expertise in planning permissions, project management, and energy-efficient design, we provide end-to-end support from concept to completion. Our team includes RIBA-registered architects and Code for Sustainable Homes assessors, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.We pioneered innovative social housing developments that achieve Code 5 sustainability ratings while addressing rural housing needs. Our proprietary Passivhaus-certified twin-wall system delivers ultra-low energy buildings with u-values exceeding regulatory requirements. We combine prefabricated timber frame technology with advanced insulation and airtightness strategies to reduce heating demands by up to 90%. Our consultancy services extend to renewable energy feasibility studies, SAP assessments, and Passivhaus planning package (PHPP) modelling. Committed to advancing sustainable construction, we collaborate with clients to create cost-effective, environmentally conscious solutions that meet evolving regulatory and climatic challenges.
Services
Timber Frame Kit Homes
Passivhaus Design
Sustainability Consultancy
Social Housing Solutions
Retrofit Extensions
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in sustainable housing and commercial architecture
- Our proprietary Passivhaus-certified twin-wall system achieves 0.12W/mK u-values
- We deliver turnkey social housing solutions with Code 5 sustainability ratings
- Our team includes RIBA-registered architects and Passivhaus-certified consultants
- We guarantee airtightness performance below 0.6ACH@50Pa in all our builds
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Code for Sustainable Homes
Services
Timber Frame Kit Homes
Our prefabricated timber frame kit homes combine rapid construction with exceptional energy efficiency. Using factory-engineered components, we deliver complete housing solutions that achieve Passivhaus standards. The system reduces on-site build time by 4-8 weeks while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance. Clients benefit from cost-effective, low-maintenance homes with up to 90% lower heating requirements.
Passivhaus Certification
We provide full Passivhaus design and certification services using PHPP modelling software. Our consultants ensure compliance with stringent u-value requirements (walls
Sustainability Consultancy
Our consultancy services cover renewable energy feasibility studies, SAP assessments, and Code for Sustainable Homes evaluations. We specialise in creating energy strategies that balance environmental impact with practicality. Services include thermal bridging analysis, mechanical ventilation design, and compliance documentation for planning applications, ensuring projects meet current and future regulatory requirements.
Social Housing Solutions
We deliver turnkey social housing developments that combine affordability with sustainability. Our designs achieve Code 5 ratings through innovative layouts and energy-efficient construction. We focus on rural housing needs, providing cost-effective solutions that maintain high environmental standards while addressing local authority requirements for sustainable community development.
Retrofit Extensions
Our retrofit services enhance existing buildings' energy performance while preserving architectural integrity. We specialise in listed building conversions and challenging site adaptations. Using sustainable materials and advanced insulation techniques, we improve thermal efficiency without compromising structural heritage, ensuring modern comfort standards in historic properties.
People
Bill Brown
Managing/Technical Director
RIBA-registered architect with over 40 years' experience in housing and commercial architecture. Former Director of Housing in local government, specialising in difficult planning applications and listed building conversions.
Donal Brown
Sustainability Director
Environmental scientist with expertise in climate change mitigation and low-carbon housing. Specialises in Passivhaus standards, SAP assessments, and renewable energy integration for sustainable building solutions.
Dr Di Parkin
Company Secretary
Company secretary with 30 years' management experience in public and private sectors. Oversees administrative operations and ensures compliance with corporate governance standards.
Questions
Can you design custom timber frame homes?
Yes, we offer bespoke timber frame kit homes tailored to client specifications, with options for self-finish or full turnkey solutions using our pre-engineered system.
Do you work on listed building conversions?
Our team has extensive experience in heritage projects, including converting a Grade II listed cock fighting pit into a modern bungalow while preserving historical integrity.
What sustainability standards do you meet?
We comply with Code for Sustainable Homes up to Level 5 and Passivhaus certification, providing SAP assessments, EPCs, and renewable energy feasibility studies.
How long does a kit home build take?
Our system enables watertight structures within 2-3 weeks on-site, with full completion typically taking 4-8 weeks less than conventional construction methods.
Do you provide social housing solutions?
We deliver affordable, sustainable social housing developments with innovative designs that address rural housing needs while achieving high energy efficiency standards.
