Building Opinions

 Robert Stuart Nemeth on a grand Withdean home

Despite the extensive television and magazine coverage which has been devoted to this fine house on Withdean Road by Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud, its location will be a complete mystery to most readers. Several ambitious new-builds exist either side of Dyke Road, although none are quite as breathtaking as this one. Some nestle behind other buildings on plots that were once back gardens, but this development replaced a detached house on an elevated position on Withdean Road in leafy and secluded Withdean.

As an artist, carpenter and experienced developer, Barry Surtees had much to bring to this project from the outset. With masses of open-plan living space, five bedrooms, a swimming pool and a helix staircase, spread over three expansive floors, plus a further gigantic bedroom pod perched on the roof with fantastic views across the London Road valley, his expertise was not just helpful – it was simply invaluable.

“It must be like waking up in the heavens; I was reassured to hear its glass walls are 5cm thick ”

The house was designed by Barry himself and Brighton-based architect Bernard Howells. By acquiring three detached neighbouring properties, Barry was able to build his dream home while converting the flanking buildings (one of which was the family home) in complimentary styles. I thoroughly disapprove of the removal of grand homes so was pleased to discover that the number of dwellings stayed as it was. The building was constructed quite close to the road so its most obvious feature is perhaps a giant glass wall making up most of the façade. But, when viewed from slightly further back, the floating bedroom pod up top, which opens straight onto a delightful roof garden, becomes much more obvious. It must be like waking up in the heavens, which made it all the more reassuring to hear that its lengthy glass walls are 5cm thick.

Barry bought his first house in Brighton (Springfield Road) in 1977 so has had plenty of time to get ideas together for this project. The number of features worthy of mention is quite staggering, but my favourites are the bronze-anodised aluminium kitchen cupboard doors and the huge wooden front door.
A Ducati 916 motorcycle hangs on the wall of the principal living space. It’s quite a feature but I, as a biker, would much rather see it on the road!

Those who saw Barry and his wife Julie on Grand Designs would know that blood, sweat and tears really did flow to create this radical structure. If only more people put in half the effort.

Get in touch: robert@buildingopinions.com or www.buildingopinions.com