Waterstream

2023

Waterstream is a new commercial development that draws inspiration from the traditional Sussex barns, reimagining them through a contemporary lens. When arriving via the access road, visitors will encounter a collection of buildings that evokes a farmstead, not as a replication of the vernacular but as a modern interpretation that sits harmoniously within its context and alongside the rest of the site’s architecture.

The proposed complex features buildings that evoke the aesthetic and quality of traditional farm structures, each with its own character and identity, enhancing the sense of place. Together, they form a picturesque cluster, perfectly suited for a village setting. The barns are arranged to partially enclose a central ‘yard,’ a nod to the local farmyard typology, creating a sense of intimacy and rootedness in the local architectural language.

Local materials play a prominent role, with Horsham stone used for the wall cladding and reclaimed plain clay tiles on the smaller barn roofs. These material choices not only respect the area's heritage but also minimize the carbon footprint by reducing transport costs and embodied carbon. The larger barn is clad in black zinc, a modern material choice that connects to the site's existing buildings, many of which are covered in black metal sheeting, a common feature of agricultural architecture in Sussex.

The entire complex spans 4,000 square feet. The ground floor is dedicated to enhancing the client experience through retail space, while the upper floor of the larger barn houses the design and sales departments, offering a functional separation that supports the building's commercial needs.

Construction is on schedule, with a targeted completion in June 2026.