Set in parkland of outstanding natural beauty, West Dean College occupies a Grade I listed flint-faced mansion. Built between 1804 and 1830 by James Wyatt, it is one of the largest flint structures in the country. The practice was commissioned to provide the College with additional student accommodation on a site to the west of the house. The new building has ten study bedrooms and a student common room in collegiate style staircases. The team's aim was to achieve continuity with the surrounding buildings by using locally sourced materials and traditional construction techniques. The design takes its inspiration from the timberwork, flintwork and clay plain tiles of the adjacent buildings, but it is presented in a contemporary way, ensuring that it celebrates its setting without falling into pastiche. Wyatt’s house has very fine knapped and galleted flintwork that could not be replicated, but the new building does have flint quoins and uses traditional lime mortar. The design was very innovative in its approach to sustainability, and the building was insulated to a high standard using recycled waste paper.