An oak-clad
woodland home
This woodland retreat sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Kent countryside. Approached via a sweeping drive, the building gradually reveals itself within the landscape.
Inside, the house uses a simple palette of natural timber, stone, plaster and glass, the tones of the oak contributing to the feeling of warmth throughout.
A local ragstone wall divides the two volumes to form the entrance. To one side the bedroom wing sits tall, and to the other, the single storey living pavilion appears to float out over the landscape.
The house uses natural, local materials, chosen to develop a patina over the years. A mix of stone and timber, two pavilions sit lightly in the landscape. Shallow zinc roofs with large overhangs quietly echo the building forms of Asia, where our clients lived for many years.
Overall, the building is extraordinarily well constructed, in simple, traditional materials brought together as a refined, elegant architectural language. A perfect fit for both the client and the site.
RIBA Regional Awards, Kent Downs
We are now living in a beautifully designed building whose light, space, materials and details bring constant joy. Not only this but it is an extremely functional house and sacrifices nothing for practical living.
Client, Kent Downs
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- Architect
- McLean Quinlan
- Interior Design
- McLean Quinlan
- Structural Engineer
- Frank Van Loock Associates
- QS
- Baillie Knowles Partnership
- M&E
- En Masse Design
- Contractor
- R Durtnell & Sons
- Landscape Design
- Tom Stuart Smith (Concept), FFLO
- Photography/Film
- Jim Stephenson
- Accolades
- RIBA S.East Awards 2019 Project Architect of the Year
- RIBA S.East Awards 2019 Winner Kent
- BD Architect of the Year Awards 2019 Finalist