The design brief for Woodlands was to design a modernist, zero energy house which would be largely glazed within the habitable spaces to take advantage of stunning, distant views over the Ashdown forest. The design includes a super insulated building envelope, biomass heating (wood fired boiler), rainwater harvesting for re-use in the sanitary drainage system and solar hot water heating.

The modern, contemporary appearance of the design was generally welcomed by neighbours and supported by the Local Authority because of its sustainable approach to energy use.