House in the Surrey Hills
Individual Housing Brick Award 2026 Award Winner
Architects - Sanchez Benton Architects
Contractor - Richard R Coles
images by Rory Gaylor
Product - Ketley brown brindle quarry tiles and bricks, and ketley creasing tiles in Staffordshire red
Replacing a fire-damaged 1960s addition, this award-winning extension to a 1920s country house in the Surrey Hills creates a series of garden-connected living spaces while respecting the architectural traditions of the Weald.
At the heart of the building is a double height garden room, which looks out onto the courtyard and provides a community space for a range of socialising activities. Built using locally sourced materials, including Wealden clay bricks, a green oak frame and bespoke oak joinery, the project combines exceptional craftsmanship with a strong sense of place. Ketley Brown Brindle bricks and quarry tiles feature throughout the walls and floors, bringing durability, warmth and a rich tactile quality to the scheme that reinforces the building's connection to its setting. They also create continuity between interior and exterior spaces. 4 courses of Ketley creasing tiles provide decorative roof detailing as well as adding decoration and texture to the exterior stair. The consistent use of Ketley products across the scheme demonstrates the versatility and timeless appeal of traditional fired clay products.
Designed to step naturally with the south-facing hillside, the extension maximises views, daylight and connections to the landscape. Sustainability was integral to the scheme, with a fabric-first approach, passive solar shading, air-source heat pumps, solar panels, green roofs and rainwater harvesting all contributing to long-term environmental performance.
The project was praised by judges for its meticulous brickwork, thoughtful integration of traditional materials, and its success in creating a contemporary extension that complements the original house while establishing its own identity. By prioritising durable, reusable materials and local craftsmanship, the design delivers a lasting and sustainable addition rooted in its setting.
