Gregory Phillips Architects adds a contemporary extension to a historic property in Kent. Gregory Phillips Architects has recently completed an extensive refurbishment, reconfiguration and extension to a Grade II listed property in Sevenoaks, Kent. Photography by Mel Yates.

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The practice was briefed by the client to update, modernise and add a contemporary extension to a Grade II listed farmhouse and barn to create a family home.

Gregory Phillips Architects was challenged to fulfil the brief of modernising the existing property, including the barn, elements of which are believed to date back 500 years, alter the layout to suit open plan living, upgrade the building fabric to improve thermal
performance, and to renew the mechanical and electrical services to improve energy efficiency, all while respecting the heritage of the property and obtaining the required statutory permissions to carry out the work in the form of Listed building consent and planning permission.

The practice successfully demonstrated to the conservation officer and local authority how the property could be updated and a contemporary extension added, without detracting
from the historic character of the farm houses and barn. Gregory Phillips Architects
challenged traditionally held views resisting contemporary architecture being added to historic properties, holding detailed and lengthy discussions and consultations to establish an acceptable design proposal and illustrate how the extension could be of a modern
character and complement the existing historic farmhouse and barn.