RESIDENTIAL

What is Residential Architecture and Masterplanning?

Residential architecture and masterplanning involves the design and planning of homes and neighbourhoods that are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for the people who live there. At Clague Architects, we approach residential design with a strong focus on placemaking, creating attractive, well-connected communities that reflect local character and support everyday living. Residential architecture focuses on designing comfortable, sustainable homes that respond to their context, from single houses to large developments. Residential masterplanning shapes the overall layout of neighbourhoods, arranging homes, streets, and gardens to encourage community, walkability and long-term liveability.

Residential Architecture and Masterplanning Services

At Clague Architects, we work across a broad range of residential building types, each carefully designed to respond to its setting, meet the needs of its users and contribute to a strong sense of place. Whether it’s a bespoke new home, a high-quality housing development, or a scheme within a historic environment, our approach blends creativity, technical expertise and a deep understanding of context.

Bespoke Homes and Private Residences

We design unique homes tailored to each client’s vision, often in sensitive or rural locations.

Services include

Concept design, site appraisals, planning applications, interior layouts and technical detailing.

Housing Developments

We create masterplans for residential communities, from small infill projects to large developments, fostering walkability and local character.

Services include

Masterplanning, design codes, housing architecture, affordable housing integration and sustainable design.

Apartments and Mixed-Tenure Schemes

We design multi-unit buildings that balance density with quality of life, ensuring ample light, space and community.

Services include

Apartment layouts, parking and amenity planning, façade design and technical compliance.

Heritage and Conservation Area Housing

We preserve and enhance historic buildings, ensuring new homes fit seamlessly within conservation areas.

Services include

Heritage appraisals, adaptive reuse, conservation planning and liaising with heritage bodies.

Rural and Agricultural Conversions

We transform rural buildings, like barns, into modern homes while retaining their original character.

Services include

Feasibility studies, conversion design, landscape planning and sustainable upgrades.

Our Residential Architecture and Masterplanning process

At Clague Architects, our residential design process begins with a clear understanding of the site, context and client needs. We draw on traditional design principles, including Arts & Crafts and New Urbanism, to create homes that are functional, characterful and rooted in their surroundings. Every project is shaped to enhance quality of life, with a strong focus on local identity, thoughtful planning and enduring design.

Planning, Surveying & Technical Detailing in Residential

At Clague Architects, we handle all aspects of planning, applications, and building regulations for residential projects. From initial site surveys to securing planning permissions, we ensure that designs comply with local policies, environmental standards and community needs. Our team works closely with authorities to streamline the approval process and ensures all designs meet safety, accessibility, and sustainability regulations, guaranteeing compliance and high-quality, sustainable outcomes for every project.

Why Choose Clague Architects for Your Residential Project?

Clague Architects brings a unique blend of design excellence, heritage sensitivity, and placemaking expertise to every residential project. Whether it’s a single home or a large development, we create thoughtful, sustainable designs that reflect local character and support community life. With decades of experience, in-house planning knowledge and a collaborative approach, we guide each project from concept to completion, ensuring every home is beautifully designed, carefully planned, and built to last.

We’re proud to be a RIBA Chartered Practice, with a team that includes members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and delivery.

Book a Residential consultation

Ready to bring your dream home or development to life? Book a consultation with Clague Architects today.

Our expert team will work closely with you to understand your vision, assess your site and guide you through every step of the design and planning process. Whether you’re designing a bespoke home or planning a larger residential project, we’re here to help turn your ideas into reality. Get in touch today to start your journey!

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Our Residential Projects

1. Conyer Quay

Clague Architects designed Conyer Quay, a waterside development in Conyer, Kent, featuring 19 homes, including terraced houses, apartments, and a detached house. The design draws on the area’s boatbuilding heritage, using timber weatherboarding and bold accents, while offering split-level spaces and gardens that connect residents to the waterfront.

2. Hazells Farm

Clague Architects transformed Hazells Farm in Northfleet, Kent, by converting a Grade II-listed barn, oast, and stable into five homes and adding seven new barn-style residences. The development blended modern living with the site’s agricultural heritage, preserving its historic character while meeting contemporary housing needs.

3. Courtsole Farm

Clague Architects transformed Courtsole Farm in Kent, converting dilapidated agricultural buildings and a farmhouse into residential units. The project included 14 new homes, arranged around a courtyard, designed to complement the local architectural style and preserve the site’s historical connection to the adjacent St Helens Church.

4. Buckston Browne Gardens

Clague Architects transformed a 1930s Arts & Crafts building into four homes and added three sustainable new houses at Buckston Browne Gardens, near Charles Darwin’s Down House. The project combined heritage restoration with eco-friendly design, featuring renewable energy systems, and supported the Kirkhouse Trust’s work in East Africa.

5. RAF Bentley Priory

Clague Architects led the detailed design for the transformation of RAF Bentley Priory, a historic Grade II* listed site near London, into 87 luxury homes. The development blends traditional architecture with sustainable, accessible design, preserving the site’s heritage while creating high-quality, modern living spaces

6. RBLI Centenary Village

Clague Architects designed the RBLI Centenary Village in Aylesford to provide accessible housing and support for veterans and their families. The £22 million development features a mix of homes and assisted-living apartments arranged around a central green, alongside a community hub offering welfare, employment, and health services, all supporting RBLI’s long-term commitment to veteran care.

7. Architectural and Masterplanning Accreditations

At Clague, our commitment to excellence in architecture and masterplanning is underpinned by recognised professional accreditations. We are proud to be a RIBA Chartered Practice, demonstrating the highest standards in design quality, client service and project delivery. Our team also includes members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), ensuring a robust technical approach that complements our creative vision.

FAQs

1. What is residential architecture?

Residential architecture is the design of homes that are functional, sustainable, and tailored to their surroundings. At Clague Architects, we create living spaces that reflect local character and enhance quality of life, from individual houses to large-scale developments.

2. What kind of residential projects does Clague work on?

We work across a broad spectrum of residential architecture, from bespoke individual homes and extensions to large-scale housing developments and new neighbourhoods. Our designs focus on creating characterful and sustainable places where people feel at home.

3. Can you help with planning and building regulations?

Absolutely. We manage the full process, from planning applications to building regulation compliance, ensuring that your project meets all statutory requirements while maintaining design integrity.

4. What is residential masterplanning?

Residential masterplanning is the process of designing the structure of a neighbourhood from housing layout to streets, green spaces, and community facilities.

5. How do you incorporate sustainability into your projects?

We take a holistic, lifecycle-led approach prioritising fabric-first design to reduce emissions, reusing and repurposing existing buildings where possible, and enhancing natural habitats within our schemes. We also focus on longevity by using durable materials and designing adaptable spaces, while ensuring our work supports both environmental and social sustainability. Our residential work considers environmental, social and economic sustainability factors as essential.

6. Where is Clague based?

We are based in studios in Canterbury and Harpenden and have projects across the South East and wider UK. Whether urban or rural, local or national, our designs are always grounded in a deep understanding of place, context and culture.

7. What services does Clague Architects offer?

Clague Architects provides comprehensive services in architecture, masterplanning, and heritage consultancy. Our expertise covers residential developments, commercial projects, educational institutions, ecclesiastical buildings, and historic conservation. We are dedicated to creating designs that are contextually sensitive, sustainable and tailored to our clients’ visions.

8. How do I begin a residential project with Clague?

Start by booking a consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your ideas, assess your site or property, and outline how we can help bring your project to life. Simply reach out via the details on our contact page.