HOME + GARDEN
inside REAL HOMES :
BAKERS FARM OAST
BY COLEMAN ANDERSON ARCHITECTS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY : DAVID HODGKINSON
COLEMAN ANDERSON ARCHITECTS IS AN ESTABLISHED RIBA CHARTERED PRACTICE BASED IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT . THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES ON HAVING A SMALL , YET HIGHLY SKILLED TEAM WHO ARE DIVERSE , QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED . THEIR TEAM ’ S EXTENSIVE EXPERTISE IN ARCHITECTURE , AND THE WIDER CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY , ALLOWS THEM TO BRING A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE INTO EACH AND EVERY PROJECT .
Being lucky enough to be based in Kent , with such a historic landscape , Coleman Anderson Architects understands the significance of integrating modern architecture all while upholding traditional design principles and infrastructure .
Working across the whole of the South East and beyond , they ’ re a leading residential practice that doesn ’ t just give you the drawings . They ’ ll be with you every step of the way , and can also offer services and advice on interior and landscaping design .
Why were you chosen for the project ? As a local architect ’ s practice , we have established experience with many properties including historic , listed buildings while also being able to deliver contemporary extensions and create new homes to suit more modern family living .
What was the property development brief / objective ? Used as a working oast in the past for drying hops , Bakers Farm Oast was converted into two dwellings in the 1980s . The brief was quite simple and we were appointed to extend one of the dwellings and to improve the internal flow of the home . These historic properties were built for different purposes , meaning the configuration of the existing rooms were not entirely practical for modern living . We still wanted to keep the traditional feel of the property , with its raw original materials , all whilst bringing a contemporary design with open plan living .
How did you begin the redesign and refurbishment process for the clients ? We created a contemporary form that referenced the surrounding agricultural vernacular , as well as the shape of the cowls on top of the oast roundels . The original poor flow of the property was addressed and the kitchen was relocated to the rear of the property to create a focal point when entering the house . This helped to maximise the scenic views and therefore truly bring the outside in .
What was your design / refurbishment timeframe ? From our initial meeting with the clients through to our first day onsite , this was a full nine months . The build program then took a further nine months to complete due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 . Bridgehurst Builders were the contractors onsite who went above and beyond for the clients , during a very difficult time , to
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