Deacon + Richardson Architects were appointed to design a new medical centre in Hawkhurst, Kent, forming part of a wider housing-led development on the edge of the village, identified in the local plan.

The brief reflected the needs of a modern primary care facility serving 12,000 patients. The new centre consolidates two existing GP practices and includes 12 consulting rooms, 6 treatment rooms, interview and counselling spaces, a dispensary, administration areas, and a generous central waiting area.

A careful site analysis informed the final building location, respecting important veteran trees and maintaining key views across the landscape. The design adopts an H-shaped plan, placing the public areas at the centre and clinical rooms in four distinct wings. This layout maximises natural light, cross ventilation, and access to views, while also allowing the roofline to be broken into smaller volumes, reducing the building’s visual impact when viewed from a distance.

Drawing on the architectural language of traditional Kentish manor houses, the building’s design is both contextual and contemporary. Traditional forms and materials—such as brickwork and pitched roofs—are combined with modern detailing, including galvanised steel rainwater goods and bronze powder-coated aluminium windows. The resulting architecture is respectful but not imitative, balancing character with clarity.

The scheme is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. A sustainable strategy includes passive solar design, high-performance building envelopes, renewable technologies, and low-impact materials, meeting the demands of the NHS and future environmental standards.