Littlefield

Littlefield is a building designed in 1870 and constructed between 1871 and 1872 by architect G E Street. It is notable for being one of the earliest uses of concrete, built using the patent method of Charles Drake, who discussed this technique in a lecture to the Civil and Mechanical Engineers Society in 1875. The structure incorporates flint aggregate and lump chalk packing, with cement rendering and some tile-hanging under the eaves, but otherwise, the concrete is left exposed.

The building features brick strings at the plinth and first-floor sill levels, pitched tile roofs, and tall brick stacks with elaborate cornicing. It has three storeys and basements, with an irregular plan where each section has its own pitched roof and steep proportions. The windows are mullioned and transomed casements set in flush frames, with moulded cornices above, although there are no transoms on the second floor. There are two planked doors with contemporary iron hinges, both featuring mullioned oblong fanlights, one of which is arched.

To the west, there is a study and dormitory wing that was originally a mirror image of the east wing of Cotton House but was burned down and rebuilt in a subdued New Brutalist style around 1960.