A New Chapter for a Kemsing Residence
Addressing the Need for More Space and Modern Living
At 14 Dynes Road in Kemsing, Sevenoaks, a distinctive home faced challenges common to many older properties. The existing living spaces were considered disproportionately small by the homeowners, limiting their comfort and daily functionality. Further issues such as persistent damp and poor thermal performance affected the property’s overall environment and efficiency, prompting the owners to seek a solution that offered more generous, practical spaces.
The goal was clear: create a home that better suits modern living demands while respecting the character of the original building. The homeowners aspired to rearrange critical living areas—expanding kitchen space, improving dining options, and adding comfortable sleeping quarters—offering a seamless transition between rooms and an enhanced daily experience.
The Approved Vision: A 68m² Addition
The plan approved by Sevenoaks District Council involves a well-considered, two-storey side extension that adds approximately 68 square metres to the property. This includes the introduction of a new garden courtyard, designed to foster indoor-outdoor connections and natural light throughout the home. The approval marks an important milestone, reflecting the local authority’s support for projects that balance thoughtful design with neighbourhood character.
Architectural Ingenuity: Blending Tradition with Contemporary Flair
Drawing Inspiration from the Gambrel Roof
A distinctive feature of the home is its gambrel roof, which influenced many aspects of the extension’s design. This roof style, known for its steep pitch and characteristic silhouette, is notable in Kent’s architectural landscape and served as a key source of inspiration. The design pays tribute to these traditional roof forms, incorporating “Dutch gables” that sit comfortably within the local vernacular while giving the extension a contemporary edge.
Crafting Unique Spaces: Walls that ‘Fold Inwards’
AOMD’s design includes inventive architectural details such as walls that fold inward, creating deep window recesses. These design elements generate varied spatial experiences, forming pockets of interior and exterior space that set the home apart. The use of harled lime render on the extension’s exterior further ties the new structure to the original home, maintaining aesthetic coherence and material harmony.
The Collaborative Journey of Design and Discovery
Iterative Model-Making: The Heart of AOMD’s Process
The design progression relied heavily on a model-making approach. AOMD employed both 1:200 and detailed 1:15 scale physical models to study how the new extension would relate to the existing roofscape and overall building form. This hands-on process allowed for precise understanding of spatial relationships and visual impact, enabling design refinements before construction began.
Architect and Client: A Shared Language
Model-making fostered a collaborative atmosphere between the architects and homeowners. It became a shared language where decisions about massing, fenestration, and interior layout could be explored and agreed upon jointly. This approach brought out subtle architectural moves—such as carefully considered window reveals, niches, and thresholds—that developed organically to influence light flow, rhythm, and atmosphere throughout the home.
Local Impact and What it Means for Kent Homeowners
Addressing Common Renovation Challenges in Kent
The project offers insights into several renovation challenges frequently encountered by Kent residents. Issues like damp and poor thermal performance are common in older buildings throughout the area. AOMD’s solutions demonstrate the potential for design to improve these conditions through material selection, structural adaptations, and spatial planning. For homeowners considering extensions or upgrades, thorough assessment of existing conditions paired with flexible, site-sensitive design proves essential.
The Value of Thoughtful Design in Property Development
Well-executed extensions can significantly improve daily living quality and may increase property value. This design respects the local architectural identity, contributing aesthetically to the Kemsing neighbourhood while providing practical improvements indoors. Such projects emphasise how thoughtful design leads to homes with character, comfort, and long-term appeal.
Navigating Planning in Sevenoaks District
Sevenoaks District Council plays a vital role in safeguarding the local environment through careful planning approval processes. Homeowners seeking permission should expect thorough reviews of design compatibility, neighbourhood impact, and sustainability considerations. Engaging architects who understand the council’s expectations and community context, as AOMD did, helps facilitate smooth planning journeys.
AOMD: A Local Force in Kent’s Architectural Scene
Based in nearby Tunbridge Wells, AOMD is an architectural practice deeply connected to Kent’s communities. Their portfolio showcases sensitivity to local character and innovative approaches to residential design. Their expertise in responding to client needs with personalised, site-responsive solutions continues to make them a valued contributor to the county’s built environment.
The Future of Residential Design in Kent
The Sevenoaks home extension represents a forward-looking approach to residential architecture in Kent. It balances respect for traditional forms with contemporary living requirements and sustainable considerations. While the timeline for the extension’s completion remains unspecified, the project has generated anticipation among residents and professionals alike as a model for future home improvements in the region.
