28 - 02 - 2025
We are proud to announce that two of our people-focused housing schemes in Kent have been shortlisted for three categories at the 2025 RESI Awards. Both schemes have been designed by women-led teams and feature new homes that are bespoke to future occupants needs. Alkerden Gateway, designed for Westerhill Homes, and Valley Drive for Gravesham Borough Council, are in the Development of the Year (Fewer than 350 homes) category, while Alkerden Gateway is additionally up for the Outstanding Residential Design Award.
Alkerden Gateway is a 67-home flagship scheme in Ebbsfleet Garden City that enhances the local area and showcases the future of custom-built housing nationwide. Inspired by the local Kent village vernacular, Alkerden Gateway sets a benchmark for contemporary homes, introducing homeowners to a six-stage customisation process with construction efficiency, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community-driven design. The neighbourhood will accommodate a diverse community, with 25% of the homes designated as affordable housing.
The landscape-led, sustainable design features pedestrian-friendly streets, green public spaces, and energy-efficient enhancements, achieving a top Building for a Healthy Life score.
The strong client and customer focus, alongside collaboration with cost consultants and sales teams, saw Westerhill Homes secure strong sales, with all private homes selling off-plan before construction started.
Valley Drive is an age-friendly, 100% affordable housing scheme catering to the needs of the older population in Gravesend. 48 homes across a general needs building and an over 55’s independent living building, have been designed to blend traditional and modern elements of Kent’s architectural heritage. BPTW’s innovative ‘one-bedroom plus’ typology provides flexibility in its layout to cater to ‘right sizer’ needs. Following its success, Gravesham is rolling out the ‘one-bedroom plus’ typology across a number of schemes on their over 55s housing programme, in turn accelerating housing supply and releasing under-occupied larger family homes in the area, whilst allowing for residents to remain in their existing communities.
With a Fabric-First approach, Valley Drive prioritises sustainable living through energy efficient features, including natural ventilation, and electric vehicle charging. The homes include adaptable features for long-term flexibility creating a high-quality, accessible environment and the central landscaped courtyard encourages neighbourly interaction and outdoor exercise.
The shortlists of Alkerden Gateway and Valley Drive at the RESI Awards highlight their commitment to innovation, community-focused and sustainability design. Congratulations to all the other shortlisted projects.
