Staplefield Road, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Shards is an exceptional contemporary house of considerable architectural distinction, occupying a remarkable position within the landscape of a former quarry. Extending to over 5,000 sq ft and completed in 2022, the house is a striking example of modernist design, defined by its sculptural form, expansive glazing and a highly considered response to its setting. The property remains covered by the balance of a new homes warranty.

Designed in collaboration with Morgan Carn Architects and MA Architecture, Shards has received widespread recognition, winning both the Eco Award and Small Scale Residential Award at the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards, alongside a Building Craft Award for its outstanding masonry. Its design is both expressive and purposeful, composed of a series of angular, overlapping planes inspired by the fragments and strata of the former quarry, forming a bold architectural language that is both grounded and dynamic.

The approach is impressive: a long, straight, tree-lined driveway leads from the road to high metal gates, beyond which a sweeping drive descends to the house and its garaging, comprising an integral double garage and a further detached double garage, together with EV charging. The approach is carefully considered, with the house revealing itself gradually within the landscape

The internal layout has been thoughtfully arranged to make the most of the site and its views. Entry is via a wide glazed front door into a generous reception hall, which opens directly into the principal reception space. This is a vast, dual-aspect room, where full-height glazing and sliding doors create a seamless join between the inside and outside spaces, opening on to a broad terrace and drawing in natural light from multiple directions. Lutron mood lighting is arranged on a zoned control system, enhancing the atmosphere throughout.

The kitchen and dining space is both refined and highly functional, centred around a sleek Italian Modulnova kitchen in black, handleless cabinetry, with moulded worktops and a substantial island incorporating a Bora hob with discreet extraction. There are twin Gaggenau ovens and warming drawer, a Gaggenau dishwasher, full-height Miele freezer and Bosch fridge. A walk-in wine store, fitted with a Swisscave wine fridge and bespoke shelving, adds to the sense of considered luxury. Sliding doors open to a breakfast balcony, providing an elevated vantage across the grounds.

Ancillary accommodation on this level includes a well-positioned office with secondary access to the driveway, and a substantial gym with sliding doors to its own terrace, oriented towards a carved stone sculpture, and served by an adjoining wet room.

From the reception hall, a series of steps descend to the lower ground floor, where the house opens out again to the landscape. Sliding doors lead directly to the pool terrace, and the bedroom accommodation is arranged across this level, each room enjoying a connection to the gardens through large, full-height picture windows. There are five bedrooms in total; four with en suite facilities and extensive fitted wardrobes, while the fifth is served by a luxurious spa-style bathroom complete with sauna.

The principal suite is particularly impressive, of excellent proportions with sliding doors opening directly onto the pool terrace, a substantial dressing room and a well-appointed en suite wet room.

The gardens and grounds extend to about two acres and have been carefully designed to complement the architectural form of the house, combining formal lawns with areas of wildflower meadow and sculptural planting. A series of tiled terraces are arranged across different levels, echoing the stepped profile of the building itself and creating a variety of seating and entertaining areas. The pool terrace is notably private and elegantly enclosed, providing a calm and secluded outdoor setting.

The house is deeply rooted in sustainable design principles. It incorporates high levels of insulation, significant thermal mass, an air source heat pump, and brown roof systems designed to encourage biodiversity and manage water attenuation. Materials used in its construction include recycled and locally sourced elements, including innovative brickwork formed using reclaimed site material, reinforcing the connection between the building and its origins.