Horsted Park | Proctor and Matthews Architects

Horsted Park is a large mixed use, mixed tenure housing scheme on a 20 acre brownfield site in Chatham. The project, developed for Countryside Properties, demonstrates exceptionally high quality both in terms of its overall urban design and in the design of individual units within the scheme.

Spatially, Horsted Park has been conceived as a series of ‘farmsteads’, taking their cue from the rural vernacular of traditional Kent farmsteads to produce a series of squares and courtyards with dwellings around them. This provides shelter, open spaces for residents, and a comfortable, domestic environment. Most importantly, Proctor and Matthews have sought to produce a neighbourhood that has its own character and a clear sense of place, where high quality landscaping and public realm is central to the scheme.

The ‘farmstead’ layout was developed in response to a brief calling for vibrant spaces and high quality, sustainable and innovative design. Following detailed public consultation, the urban design sought to address local residents’ concern about increased density. The design response not only seeks to achieve variation, intimacy and animated spaces that create a sense of security and community, but also incorporates 6.5 acres of open space – representing approximately 30% of the total site area.

Vernacular references, carefully selected materials, and innovative surface treatments provide character and individuality, setting Horsted Park apart from many other volume housing schemes being built today. A key feature is the use of projecting brickwork on the facades of individual townhouses, mirroring the fine brick bonding patterns in nearby Rochester’s old quarter. Projecting brickwork panels are set against simple brick facades and window openings at first storey level, giving each property a visual emphasis and a sense of character and, as the motif is repeated along each row of houses, creating an attractive rhythm across the development. The townhouses’ steep pitched roofs also reference the strong roof forms of local buildings.

Horsted Park looks to reintroduce the concept of the English garden wall to bind the new neighbourhood together, avoiding the fragmented feel of many new housing layouts elsewhere. Instead of plot by plot executive homes, Horsted Park incorporates linking courtyard brick walls which integrate its “street”, “lane” and “court” frontages.

Horsted Park is being built in two phases. Phase 1 is now complete, with a clear sense of community already evident. The scheme will eventually comprise 337 residential units alongside commercial and community space.

Horsted Park provides an excellent range of housing suitable both for its suburban context and the diverse needs of residents from. Dwelling sizes range from 1-2 bedroom flats through to 2-4 bedroom family homes, with a number of designated Extra Care units for elderly people. Importantly, these Extra Care units are fully integrated within the development to ensure that elderly residents remain at the heart of Horsted Park’s community.

Inclusive design principles also inform the streetscape design. This adheres to the concept of shared space to create a safe, inclusive environment where pedestrians and vehicles can co-exist, and allows for generous amounts of planting.