A contemporary rural home immersed in Ancient Woodland. This site-responsive proposal balances privacy, sustainability and architectural elegance.
Located between Tenterden and Cranbrook, just outside Biddenden, Roger’s Wood is a unique residential development set within over 65 acres of designated Ancient Woodland. Accessed from Cranbrook Road, the site offers a rare combination of tranquillity, seclusion and proximity to nearby amenities. The proposal replaces an existing 1970s dwelling with a carefully designed, low-impact home that embraces the woodland character while enhancing privacy and environmental sensitivity. Surrounded by dense tree cover and screened from neighbouring properties, the site provides an ideal setting for a home rooted in nature.



The design is conceived as a series of interlinked forms, organised around a central axis and broken into volumes to reduce visual mass. Glazed connections between primary and secondary elements allow for framed woodland views and natural light throughout. The layout respects existing trees and landforms, while the architectural expression — pitched roofs, gable ends and articulated façades — draws from local vernacular language. A limited two-storey height, green roofs and use of sustainable, locally sourced materials ensure the home remains recessive within its setting, preserving the character of the woodland. Key features such as a pool, gym, and office are discretely integrated, with a clear distinction between public and private outdoor zones.

Internally, the home has been designed around environmental performance, including passive solar gain, solar shading, and a partially sunken basement level for recreation and services. Five ensuite bedrooms are located on the upper floor, while amenity spaces such as a cinema, wine cellar and utility rooms are placed below ground. Ancillary buildings are treated as standalone elements in a rural cluster arrangement, reducing perceived bulk and aligning with traditional countryside typologies. Roger’s Wood represents a sensitive architectural response to a remarkable landscape, creating a home that is both visually refined and deeply connected to its environment.

