A future-proofed family home

Please tell us about Kentish New House.
This contemporary five-bed family home is set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, next to ancient woodland and within the green belt. A replacement for a previous structure, the finished home embodies contemporary design, functionality, and environmental responsibility. The site’s location presented some challenges, including proximity to a listed building and the need to protect local ecology and protected species. 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. And of course none of this would have been possible without our visionary clients.

What was your vision for the entrance to Kentish New House? 
We wanted beauty, security, and for it to be in keeping with the overall design. The entrance was designed to provide a clear, obvious, and unambiguous entrance to the house, with a sense of security and permanence, as well as providing glimpses of the space within.

Why did you choose an Urban Front door?  
We’ve specified Urban Front before and have been impressed by the design and construction quality; the doors have a timeless appeal. There is peace of mind knowing Urban Front have been around for a while now. Our clients are very happy with their door, which is aesthetically pleasing and secure.

How does the design make the home a sustainable one?
The property 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 the heat of the sun. During the summer months, these architectural features provide passive shading to prevent overheating. In winter, when the sun sits lower in the sky, natural light can enter the home, maximising solar heat gain and reducing the need for additional heating. Internally, the living areas face south to maximise solar gain, ensuring optimal warmth and light exposure. In contrast, service areas are positioned on the northern side, keeping them cooler and reducing unwanted heat gain in summer.