Rewilding Whetsted Woods

Located in southeast England, the thesis approaches dwelling differently through the design of a bespoke habitat that enables biodiversification. It addresses the low biodiversity amount of the United Kingdom and the pressure put on the nation’s land by housing and agricultural practices. It focuses on the creation of sustainable communities containing dwellings that respond sensitively to their surroundings.

The site lies in a Green Belt which is under threat from the expansion of its neighbouring town of Paddock Wood.

The proposal enables the nature to reclaim its land through engineered rewilding supported by a design advocating principle of self-sustenance, self-efficiency, and self-built, that facilitate the cohabitation of humans and the wildlife. It keeps the overwhelming growth of the town from engulfing the greenfield and the semi-ancient woodland of Whetsted Woods.

The overall value of the design is depicted through biodiversification, preservation and enhancement of the Green Belt and the quality of life that it provides its dwellers.