Kentish New House
Western Red Cedar
The Kentish New House is a thoughtfully crafted new-build home located in the rural Kent countryside. The core design objectives were to create a residence that merges contemporary architectural language with local vernacular traditions, delivering a high-quality living environment with a strong emphasis on sustainability, spatial clarity, and craftsmanship.
The project aspired to enhance the day-to-day living experience by integrating natural light, high-performance materials, and a seamless connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. Sustainability was a key driver, with the house designed to Passive House principles, employing passive solar strategies, stack ventilation, and ground-source heating to reduce its carbon footprint and promote occupant well-being.
Material selection was guided by a commitment to durability, sustainability, and visual harmony with the rural setting. Every product and finish was chosen for its ability to age gracefully and contribute to the home’s tactile, honest character. Particular attention was given to balance aesthetic ambitions with technical performance and ensure the chosen materials met high insulation and airtightness standards, essential for the building’s energy strategy.
Western Red Cedar cladding was selected for its natural beauty and long-term durability. As a renewable, low-carbon material, timber played an important role in aligning the project with our environmental goals. It was used for both internal finishes and external elements to soften the architectural expression and add richness to the material palette. Timber’s ability to create a calming, natural atmosphere was especially important in helping the house feel at home in its rural surroundings. From a practical standpoint, timber allowed for efficient on-site installation, especially for bespoke joinery elements and external detailing. Its lightweight nature also made it ideal for handling on a relatively remote site.
Western Red Cedar is a high-performance, durable timber that, when left uncoated, naturally weathers to an elegant silver-grey. Its workability and dimensional stability make it exceptionally versatile—ideal for achieving bespoke detailing that bring architectural visions to life. Pairing it with the OrganoWood® surface treatment system enhances this natural ageing process, delivering a smoother, more even tone across the cladding. This eco-friendly treatment not only improves the consistency of the weathered finish but also offers added protection with minimal maintenance, making it a smart and sustainable choice for long-lasting, visually striking designs.
“We chose Millworks products for their outstanding quality, reliability, and sustainability credentials. The detailing and finish of their timber cladding aligned perfectly with the design ambition of the Kentish New House—refined, natural, and enduring. Their team was collaborative and proactive, ensuring smooth delivery and expert guidance throughout. Millworks helped us realise a vision of material honesty and elegance that is central to the success of the project.”
Tim Hoskins – Director, Turner and Hoskins Architects
Ed Neave – Construction, EHSN Developments
