TEMBOK Design & Build — Tenterden
Trusted Builders in Tenterden — Heritage-Sensitive Extensions & Complete Renovations
TEMBOK delivers extensions, conversions and renovations across Tenterden — respecting the town's architectural heritage while creating modern, comfortable living spaces.
5-star rated on Google · Serving Tenterden for over 15 years
Local Expertise
Building in the Jewel of the Weald
Tenterden is one of Kent's most architecturally significant towns. The wide High Street, lined with Georgian, Victorian and medieval buildings, demands builders who understand heritage construction. TEMBOK brings 15 years of experience working with exactly these property types.
We reach Tenterden in approximately 20 minutes from our Biddenden base. This proximity means rapid consultations, efficient site management, and the ability to respond quickly to client queries during construction. Our team knows the town's streets, its planning constraints, and the specific challenges of building in a historic Wealden town.
Tenterden sits within the High Weald AONB and includes an extensive conservation area covering the town centre and surrounding historic lanes. Ashford Borough Council manages planning in Tenterden, and we have established relationships with the planning team and conservation officers.
The surrounding Tenterden parish includes properties in Small Hythe, Reading Street, Leigh Green and St Michaels — each with distinct characteristics. From farmhouse renovations to modern estate extensions, we adapt our approach to suit each property and location.
Our Services
Building Services in Tenterden
House Extensions
Sympathetically designed extensions that complement Tenterden's architectural character.
Loft Conversions
Additional living space created within existing rooflines — ideal for Tenterden's period properties.
Kitchen Refurbishments
Bespoke kitchens blending traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.
Bathroom Refurbishments
Complete bathroom transformations with quality fixtures and expert tiling.
New Builds
Residential new builds on Tenterden plots, designed to complement the local vernacular.
Structural Alterations
Internal reconfiguration creating open-plan layouts while respecting structural integrity.
Renovations
Whole-house renovations of Tenterden period properties — modernising without losing character.
Bespoke Joinery
Handcrafted furniture, built-in storage and period-appropriate joinery details.
Roofing
Peg tile, slate and flat roofing — repairs and full replacements for Tenterden properties.
Cladding & Fascias
Weatherboard cladding, fascia renewal and cast-iron guttering for period properties.
Why TEMBOK
Why Tenterden Residents Trust TEMBOK
45+ Tenterden Projects Delivered
Extensions, renovations and conversions completed across Tenterden town and parish over the past 15 years.
Heritage Construction Expertise
Lime mortar, timber framing, handmade tiles, and traditional techniques — we build and repair using methods appropriate to the property.
Ashford BC Planning Knowledge
Regular experience with Ashford Borough Council planning applications, including conservation area and AONB submissions.
20-Minute Response
From our Biddenden base to your Tenterden doorstep in 20 minutes — for consultations, decisions and project oversight.
Fixed-Price Transparency
Detailed quotations with no hidden extras. Heritage projects often encounter unexpected issues — we build contingency into our planning, not our pricing.
Community Presence
Our work in Tenterden speaks for itself. Ask your neighbours — there is a strong chance they know our team or our projects.
Local Challenges
Building Challenges Specific to Tenterden
Tenterden's conservation area imposes strict requirements on visible alterations. Extensions must use approved materials — typically handmade clay peg tiles, painted timber windows, and weatherboarding or local brick to match existing facades. Builders unfamiliar with these requirements waste clients' time and money with planning refusals.
Many Tenterden High Street properties are listed or sit within the conservation area. Any alterations — even internal ones on listed buildings — require consent. We navigate these requirements routinely, preparing heritage impact assessments and working with conservation officers to achieve approvals.
The clay subsoil around Tenterden causes ground movement that affects foundations. Properties on the ridge along the High Street sit on different ground conditions to those in the lower-lying areas towards Small Hythe. We assess ground conditions for every project and design foundations accordingly.
Older Tenterden properties commonly have solid walls, lime render and timber lath-and-plaster internal finishes. Modern cement renders, gypsum plasters and non-breathable materials trap moisture in these walls, causing damp and decay. We use breathable, period-appropriate materials that work with the building's original construction, not against it.
Our Process
How We Deliver Tenterden Projects
Heritage-Aware Survey
We assess your Tenterden property, identifying construction type, planning constraints and any conservation or listing considerations before discussing your plans.
Design & Approvals
Designs prepared to meet both your requirements and Ashford BC standards. Planning and listed building applications managed on your behalf.
Detailed Quotation
Itemised, fixed-price quote covering every element. Heritage material specifications included so you know exactly what is being used.
Careful Construction
Our team works with care appropriate to the building — protecting existing features, using correct techniques, and maintaining the property's integrity.
Quality Handover
Detailed walkthrough, all certificates provided, maintenance guidance for heritage elements, and 5-year guarantee activation.
Common Questions