The Phoenix Rises!

February 2024
The Phoenix — a visionary neighbourhood for Lewes, East Sussex in the UK — has received planning permission by an overwhelming majority from the planning committee at the South Downs National Park Authority. One year after socially conscious developer Human Nature announced proposals for the transformation of a 7.9-hectare brownfield site into the country’s most sustainable neighbourhood, the exemplary mixed-use project is one step closer to reality.

The Phoenix

Whitby Wood’s role is as Executive Engineer for the masterplan and structural engineer for the first parcel of the development. We developed a Build and Design playbook for the Integrated design team, detailing the design principles for off-site design and identifying loadbearing party walls — giving the architects freedom to work within guidelines.

Whitby Wood Director Kelly Harrison said: “The Phoenix is a wonderful project to be part of, working with Human Nature on their Build and Design playbook, understanding local timber availability, developing panelised, flexible, long living structural designs that can be manufactured on site with local skills. Whitby Wood has found this process fascinating and inspiring to be part of, and we can’t wait to see how it will develop.”

Our congratulations to all involved, the Lewes community and the amazing team at Human Nature : Jonathan Smales, Andy Tugby, Jeremy Walker, Xavier Smales, Hugo Forster, Joanna Yarrow.

The Phoenix
Human Nature

Masterplan : Periscope, Human Nature and Kathryn Firth (Arup)
Architects : Adam Richards Architects, Archio, Al-Jawad Pike, Ash Sakula Architects, Charles Holland Architects, Mæ, Material Cultures, Mole Architects, Rabble Architecture and TDO
Engineers and consultants : Whitby Wood, Atelier Ten, Expedition Engineering, Eurban, WSP, Urban Movement, Ecology Solutions Group, Terra Firma, Richard Utting Associates, Whaleback Planning & Design