Pavilion Rest

: Hildenborough, Tonbridge

Pavilion Rest House is a sensitive transformation of a detached 1990s home in the Hildenborough Conservation Area, Kent. The brief was to unlock the potential of a structurally sound but poorly laid-out house, improving flow, daylight and connection to the garden—all within planning constraints and a modest budget for a family of five.

The key move was a single-storey pavilion extension to the rear. Clad in reclaimed Petersen brick with a simple overhanging roof and oak fins, it houses a new kitchen, dining and family areas. Full-height glazing opens onto the garden, while a glazed link clearly distinguishes old and new volumes. Internally, natural oak, brick and blackened steel create a calm, tactile material palette. Instead of mimicking heritage forms, the extension sits quietly beside them—contextual but contemporary. The architecture is modest in footprint yet generous in feel, offering clarity, intimacy and adaptability. Internally, oak joinery, blackened steel and exposed brick form a warm, tactile palette. Spaces flex to suit changing needs: lots of storage; open-plan zones flow together or divide with ease. There three living areas support play, TV and quiet fire side chats. Challenges included working within tight conservation constraints, maximising performance on a tight budget, and transforming the home. Environmental upgrades included triple-glazed windows, enhanced insulation, an air source heat pump and a full switch to electric—achieving major reductions in energy use and improving comfort year-round. This is not a showpiece but a deeply practical transformation—carefully detailed, technically sound, and emotionally resonant.