House in the Country
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Property type: Grade II Listed House and Outbuildings
Scope: New wing and extension of Listed house, restoration of historic elements
Size / area: Approx. 300m² extension
Budget band: Undisclosed
Stage: Under Construction
A replacement wing of a Listed house, with sensitive modern touches
The clients wanted to reconfigure the layout of their historic Grade II listed property to create flexible family living spaces. The challenge was to blend modern functionality with the building’s protected status, while enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. The goal was to address the lack of a large living area, by extending and reconfiguring the existing service wing.
Simon worked on this project at Theis and Khan Architects up to the point of securing planning approval. Sharpe Architecture was then appointed to carry out the technical design. We were responsible for obtaining additional permissions, including the installation of solar panels and alterations to historic elements. Our role also involved ensuring that the project maintained a careful balance between introducing modern improvements and preserving the building’s listed features.
The design approach respects the original materiality of the house, incorporating modern glazing — including 4.5m high sliding doors — to enhance natural light and strengthen the visual connection to the surrounding countryside. Sustainable features include upgraded insulation, use of locally sourced materials and reclaimed stone and slate from the original structure will be repurposed. A solar panel array has been installed in an adjacent field to improve the building’s energy performance of the whole estate.
Once completed, the new living space will offer brighter, more flexible family areas while preserving the historic charm of the original house. The improvements will reduce energy costs and the building’s carbon footprint, making it more sustainable while maintaining its connection to the past. The design ensures the property remains both functional and respectful of its heritage, with enhanced views and increased natural light.
