Permanence as a form of sustainability

Designed during the pandemic for a young family, Tower Hill House was conceived as a private retreat, a place to gather with family, friends and neighbours, and a home capable of meeting the changing needs of its occupants and future owners. The aim was to “create a beautiful, functional, adaptable home that could last for generations”, explains designer Jasmine Maggs, reaffirming Studio Maggs’ philosophy that permanence is a form of sustainability. The house stands on a site surrounded by woodland, meadows and panoramic views. Its long, low volume and pitched roofs establish a dialogue with the landscape, offering a contemporary interpretation of local vernacular forms. Its orientation was determined by the topography, views and seasonal light, with generous openings and connections to the outdoors creating a continuous relationship with the surroundings. “Inside, the layout is organised around two intersecting circulation axes, while subtle changes in level and material define the different areas of the house.” The design prioritises functional clarity and a deliberately restrained palette of materials and colours: brick and standing-seam metal outside; timber, marble, steel, concrete and ceramic tiles within. All materials were selected for their tactile qualities, durability and ability to age gracefully. Among them, she explains, “ceramics were an important starting point. Studio Maggs often selects them early in the design process because their character can set the atmosphere for an entire space. Here, the tiles were chosen for their inherent beauty and durability rather than passing trends.” The entrance floor features Plain Mist slabs by Refin Ceramiche, a concrete-inspired porcelain tile. In the kitchen, Laminam’s Calce Avorio surfaces for the worktops and Ragno’s Glacé Bianco wall tiles were selected for their beauty, as well as their ability to withstand intensive use and age well in a rural setting where robustness and longevity are important. Ceramica Vogue’s Flauti collection, meanwhile, creates a “tactile focal point” around the living room fireplace, reinforcing its role as the hearth of the home.

“The approach to sustainability focused on longevity, adaptability and passive environmental strategies rather than technology for its own sake.” Despite its extensive glazing, the house is highly insulated and airtight. Passive solar gain, underfloor-heated concrete floors and a wood-burning fireplace reduce reliance on mechanical heating. Openable windows, large sliding doors and rooflights enable natural ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning.