Transformation

Smarden Cottage

A contemporary infill porch for a listed cottage in Smarden, creating a welcoming new entrance that respects the building’s historic character.

Thoughtful listed transformation

Hawkes Architecture was commissioned to design a contemporary infill porch to create a new entrance for a listed cottage in Smarden, Kent. The proposal carefully balances the requirements of a historic building with the needs of modern living, delivering an intervention that is both sensitive and distinctly contemporary.

The new porch sits comfortably within the existing cottage, enhancing its entrance while preserving the character and significance of the listed property. Inspired by the original construction, the design incorporates replacement oak beams that faithfully replicate those that had deteriorated and rotted over time, ensuring the building’s structural integrity and maintaining its traditional appearance. Alongside these carefully restored elements, the contemporary detailing introduces a subtle architectural contrast, allowing the new addition to be clearly legible without competing with the historic fabric.

consideration

Every aspect of the project was developed to complement the existing dwelling, using high-quality materials, considered proportions and restrained detailing that respond to the cottage’s vernacular architecture. The result is a timeless entrance that enhances the building’s functionality while respecting its heritage, demonstrating how contemporary design can successfully coexist with traditional architecture in a listed setting.