A thoughtfully designed 16-home residential development in Herne Common, inspired by Kent vernacular architecture and centred around a landscaped village green.
Spacemaker Architects were appointed to design the Firwood Court development, a carefully considered residential scheme for a prominent site in Herne Common, Kent, adjacent to the newly completed Bullockstone Road improvements. The proposal comprised 16 new homes arranged around a landscaped central green, with the architecture drawing heavily from the surrounding Kent vernacular and conservation area context. Planning approval was successfully secured, and the site has since been sold for development.
One of the key challenges of the project was responding sensitively to the surrounding conservation area while also addressing the visual impact created by the new road infrastructure and acoustic fencing introduced as part of the Herne Relief Road scheme. The design sought to transform what had become a harsh roadside edge into a more attractive and characterful streetscape.
The scheme was carefully developed around the character of Herne Common and the surrounding vernacular architecture. Drawing inspiration from local farmhouses, agricultural barns and traditional Kentish terraces, the development introduced four distinct building typologies:
These typologies were arranged to create a gradual transition from a more urban frontage near the roundabout to a softer, rural character deeper into the site.
A central village green formed the heart of the layout, helping to create a strong sense of place and community while also incorporating sustainable drainage features and new landscaping. The proposals also prioritised biodiversity enhancements, including native planting, bat boxes and bird boxes throughout the site.
Material choices were heavily influenced by the local Kent vernacular, with red brick, clay peg tiles and black and white timber weatherboarding used throughout the scheme to reflect the architectural character of Herne Common.
The project demonstrates how sensitive contemporary development can respond positively to both local character and changing infrastructure, while delivering much-needed new homes in a sustainable location.
We look forward to seeing the development brought to life in the years ahead.
Interested in our approach to residential development and placemaking? Explore more of our architectural projects across Kent and the South East.
