This pioneering design is built in the memory of the Honourable Brenda Carter, herself a pioneer of solar energy research. It is on the site of her home on the Sussex Downs, which burnt down in 1968. She worked with Ray Maw, a solar energy expert, and then with Robert Adam to prepare a new design, which combines traditional architecture with the latest developments in the use of passive solar energy. After her death in 1993, her son Harold continued the project in her name.

The site faces south over the Downs giving an ideal orientation for sunlight. On this elevation 60% of the wall surface is glazed. There is little glass on the shaded north side. In the centre of the house a double height space is heated by direct sunlight and warm air is distributed to all other parts of the building. In the summer a portico shades this room while allowing the low winter sunlight to shine through.

A very high standard of insulation and the movement of large volumes of air at low velocities, aided by high wind towers, ensure that heat is retained and evenly dispersed. A very small conventional heating system acts as a back up for prolonged dull winter weather.

The performance of the house will be closely monitored to add to the body of knowledge on the use of passive solar heating in the UK.