Kentish New House

KENTISH NEW HOUSE

A Contemporary Family Home Rooted in Sustainability

Nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adjacent to Ancient Woodland and within the Green Belt, this five-bedroom family home embodies contemporary design, functionality, and environmental responsibility. With initial design work commencing in 2019 as a replacement for an existing structure, the project presented unique challenges, including its proximity to a Listed Building and the need to protect local ecology and Protected Species. Our solution seamlessly integrates sustainability with striking modern aesthetics.

At the heart of the design is a highly efficient square-plan layout, which enhances spatial circulation while significantly reducing energy loss compared to the original linear footprint. This compact form minimizes the external envelope, improving thermal efficiency and reducing heat loss.

Intelligent Design for Comfort and Efficiency

The home consists of two distinct volumes, connected by a glazed, double-height central hall that runs along an east-west axis. This light-filled space draws in both morning and evening sunlight while remaining shaded from the midday sun by the primary living wing to the south. This strategic positioning reduces reliance on artificial lighting while maintaining a naturally warm and inviting ambiance.

Balconies and cantilevered overhangs play a crucial role in managing seasonal solar gain. During the summer months, these architectural features provide passive shading, reducing direct sunlight penetration and preventing overheating. In winter, when the sun sits lower in the sky, natural light is able to enter the home, maximizing solar heat gain and reducing the need for additional heating. This thoughtful integration of shading elements enhances the home’s energy efficiency while maintaining comfort year-round.

Internally, the living areas are oriented south to maximize solar gain, ensuring optimal warmth and daylight exposure. In contrast, service areas are positioned on the northern side, keeping them cooler and reducing unwanted heat gain in summer. Above, guest bedrooms are discreetly arranged to balance energy efficiency with comfort throughout the year.

Sustainability at Its Core

This home is a model of passive design and energy efficiency, utilizing:

• Passive solar heating and a stack ventilation system to optimize natural airflow.
• Extensive glazing to harness daylight while leveraging thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures.
• Balconies and cantilevered overhangs to provide passive shading in summer while allowing low winter sunlight to warm the interior.
• A central glazed hall that creates a natural stack effect, drawing in cool air at lower levels and expelling warm air at the top—minimizing the need for mechanical cooling.
• Ground source heat pump technology (via boreholes) and photovoltaic panels, significantly reducing the home’s carbon footprint.
• A dedicated rainwater harvesting system to collect and store water for reuse, reducing demand on mains water and enhancing sustainability.
• An A+ EPC rating, reflecting the home’s exceptional energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

By seamlessly blending modern architecture with eco-conscious design, this home not only meets the diverse needs of its occupants but also respects and preserves its surrounding landscape. The result is a contemporary, highly sustainable family residence that harmonizes with nature while offering exceptional comfort and efficiency.

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