# Vernacular Clay Houses Clay Rise in West Sussex is a Context-Driven Home by Templeton Ford By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clay-rise References: [templetonford](https://www.templetonford.com/)  Clay Rise in West Hoathly, West Sussex, is a three-bedroom residence designed and built by Templeton Ford that responds to local tradition, landscape and [multigenerational living needs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracotta-breath-house). The home drew inspiration from regional vernacular forms and materials, with a [handmade brick skin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfield-house-extension) fired from clay excavated on site and a sweeping, tiered red clay-tiled roof that references the pitched roofs of Sussex cottages. The building is [partially embedded into the hillside](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-lines), creating a split-level plan that provides a self-contained two-bedroom apartment on the lower level and the main living spaces and primary suite above. Large openings on the south-facing façade frame views toward neighbouring fields and the South Downs, and the curving roofline extends down to define exterior spaces and internal circulation. The interior palette combines lime-plastered walls, exposed stone and timber floors, and deep timber reveals for a tactile, calm environment. A curved CNC-cut staircase finished in lime plaster acts as a focal point, echoing the exterior roof geometry and linking social spaces. Passive design strategies include orientation for solar gain, cross-ventilation through operable windows, and a central stair void that functions as a thermal chimney to moderate internal temperatures. Image Credit: French + Tye ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 62% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Architecture:** A surge in sustainable architecture is transforming traditional building practices by incorporating locally sourced materials and passive design strategies. - **Vernacular Design:** Vernacular design is gaining popularity as a way to honor regional traditions, integrating local aesthetics and materials into modern structures. - **Multigenerational Living Spaces:** The demand for homes accommodating multigenerational living is promoting innovative designs featuring self-contained units to support diverse family needs. ### Where This Applies - **Green Construction:** Green construction is rapidly evolving to prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs in new builds. - **Real Estate Development:** Real estate development is increasingly influenced by the incorporation of flexible living spaces tailored to different generational preferences. - **Interior Design:** In the interior design industry, there's a growing trend to blend natural materials with functional aesthetics for creating calming, tactile environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Durable Glowing Smartwatch Straps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stratos-band-icy-blue-glow-edition.md) - [Sculptural Lounge Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biboni-sofa.md) - [Abstract Geometric Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discorectangle.md) - [Pencil-Resembling Power Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pencil-multitap.md) - [Coastal Forest Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openspace-architecture.md) - [Biophilic Workplace Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-garden.md) - [Decorative Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monk-armchair.md) - [Integrated Home Gym Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ottogano.md) - [Self-Watering Smart Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-leafypod.md)