Downley House is a large new country house built in the South Downs. The client called for a tranquil yet playful place, full of natural texture, contrasts, and indigenous materials.The house is divided into a family wing and a guest wing linked by a barrel vaulted dining hall centred on the entrance of some existing ruins. The barrel vaulted hall opens at each end onto courtyards which receive sun in the morning and evening. The form of the dining hall is like a foudre wine barrel and reflects the clients love of wine. The circular glazed stair ascends to the roof terrace.