A multi-generational home in West Sussex that reimagines traditional hung clay-tile houses

Inside this starkly contemporary home, Jessica has chosen vintage furniture and antiques that lend a patina to the laid-back interiors.

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Jessica, Andre and their children, Felix (5) and Juniper (2), mainly occupy the lower level of the house, which functions as a self-contained apartment with direct access to the back garden. The top floor provides shelter for Andre’s parents and the middle floor is the social heart of the house. Jessica explains, ‘This level is a large, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area which gives us great flexibility. ‘Big picture windows also mean you can see greenery from every direction, which gives a lovely sense of tranquillity.’ Also, this house in West Sussex offers room for change: the main Bedroom can be subdivided into; And there are structural provisions for ramps, should the older generation require ease of access in the future. ‘It’s a manifestation of all the ideas we’ve been collecting over the years,’ says Andre.

The staircase has generous proportions and often acts as an impromptu place for the family to come together.

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It also acts as a wind tunnel, drawing cool air in different layers and a light tunnel. Which reduces the energy dependency of the house.

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This thoughtfulness is recognized. Andre won the 2026 UK RIBA South East Project Architect of the Year and Clay Rise was honored with the UK RIBA South East Award. But the biggest reward for the couple is giving their children a strong foundation. ‘Watching them develop strong relationships with their grandparents is heartwarming,’ says Jessica. ‘Seeing them run freely, moving between floors and generations without thinking about it, validated a lot of the ideas that prompted the project in the first place.’ templetonford.com | @templeton_ford