57 Grantham Road

This building is a rare example of an eco house built to the very demanding Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. It was designed by Deacon and Richardson Architects and built by R&R Building Services.

This embraces not only energy efficiency and low emissions, but every aspect of sustainability, including natural materials, treatment of waste and  rainwater harvesting. The house design, build  process and performance are in every sense sustainable.

This project evolved over six years and the finished result is an example of brilliant  simplicity, with a cleverly integrated renewable heating system, chiefly fuelled  by a woodburning stove, and backed up by solar thermal panels and an air  source heat pump. Electricity for the heat pump is balanced by a solar PV array. The overall look and feel is beautiful, with natural timber and stone finishes,  heavily influenced by input from the owners, designers Malcolm and Linda.

BUSES: 26, 46, 50 (Ditchling Road) 5B (Stanford Avenue). TRAIN: London Road Station (0.5km). Access to number 57 is down the lane beside number 56. Please note there is no parking in this lane.