Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice near Tunbridge Wells that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.

Kent is our home. We have designed and built many projects in Kent over the years including Dreamland Theme Park in Margate, the world’s first multi-storey skatepark in Folkestone and the Curious Brewery in Ashford.  We create ambitious designs that reflect the surroundings focused on how people use spaces and flow through a building. Working closely with our clients, our team of architects and interior designers realise your brief and aspirations to create a successful and memorable guest experience.

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Design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes buildings that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all architecture and design projects.

An architecture and design practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.

Many of today’s most successful developments are the result of a partnership between the public and the private. This is especially true of Ashford near Tunbridge Wells, one of the most exciting and fastest growing towns in the south-east, and whose regeneration has for many years been steered by a council’s judicious partnering with equally forward looking designers and developers. Situated next to the station, sat overlooking the River Stour, and the result of a partnership between the council, Hollaway Studio and developers U+I, the residential scheme Kent Wool Growers is a prime example of this approach.

Hollaway’s approach to architecture and design always starts with people and place. How does a building contribute to the community it will inhabit? How will people interact and engage with the architecture created in this space?  Under his leadership and hands on approach Guy Hollaway has created a design-led Practice committed to innovative building solutions, with work ranging from prestigious one off commissions to large scale regeneration projects.

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The RIBA award-winning architecture and design practice near Tunbridge Wells has built its reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a cutting-edge skate park, the world’s first heritage theme park, a bespoke artist’s studio in an open field, and a high-end seafood restaurant. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.

London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425

Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515

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History of Royal Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells is part of the UK that has a very interesting history. Of course, it is a beautiful location, which attracts a lot of people on a year-by-year basis. However, not only does it have a lot of appeal today, but this popularity can be traced back many years as well. With that being said, we are going to take a look at the development of the area and the role that Tunbridge Wells architects have played to help you get a better understanding of the history of this incredible place.

Visitors have been coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells since 1606, which is when Chalybeate Spring was discovered. Over the years that followed, the town became more and more popular, gaining a reputation as a place to visit.

In 1684, Margaret, the widow of Viscount Purbeck, who had the nickname The Princess of Babylon due to her love of dancing and fashion, supplied the land on Mount Sion for the earliest lodging properties to be constructed. She also provided the ground at the Pantiles’ northern end whereby the Church of King Charles the Martyr was erected.

People who had come from near and far to “take the waters” needed somewhere for worship. Therefore, they donated generously, providing a considerable amount of money so that the church could be constructed.

The magnificent ceiling at the church was created by Henry Doogood, the chief plasterer of Sir Christopher Wren. It was here that Princess Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent, attended church services.

Royal Tunbridge Wells became a preferred destination to the fashionable parts of society who required places to live and wanted entertainment hubs, such as an assembly room for balls and dances, gaming rooms, and coffee houses. As a consequence, the area only started to grow and grow in terms of popularity.

The oldest park in Royal Tunbridge Wells is the Grove. It was provided to the local area in 1703 so that people had a place to walk or relax, offering them seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the town. There was a deed of endowment that was put together at this time to make sure there was protection for the trees in the Grove. The Grove continues to provide a peaceful haven for visitors and local residents today.

The rapid growth of Royal Tunbridge Wells from the 1800s onward

From 1800, there was rapid growth in the town. In 1831, there were 5,929 living in Royal Tunbridge Wells. This number grew to 8,302 by 1841. This made it the quickest-growing town in Kent. The town became highly popular with people who were looking for somewhere fun and exciting to spend their retirement years. During this period, we saw a lot of people come to Royal Tunbridge Wells to establish their long-term homes.

When compared with London, the cost of living was a lot cheaper in this part of the world. However, at the same time, it was possible to use stage coaches to get to London. Of course, the journey was not as rapid as it is today! It only took five hours!

Another reason why Royal Tunbridge Wells appealed to so many people was because of the surrounding countryside, which made it the most beautiful location in terms of rides and walks. One of the most popular attractions in this area was High Rocks. Aside from this, the Common was considered the number one spot for visitors and residents, where horse racing, archery, cricket matches, and firework displays took place.

What makes the area so royal?

One thing you may be wondering is why Royal Tunbridge Wells has the term “Royal” in the name. The reason for this is because the popularity of the area was officially recognised by King Edward VII in 1909. He came to the area frequently with a lot of aristocratic and royal visitors, including his mother, Queen Victoria. This is where the “Royal” prefix stemmed from.

Final words on Royal Tunbridge Wells

So there you have it: an insight into the history of Royal Tunbridge Wells. We hope that this has provided you with a fascinating insight into the story of the area. It is certainly a remarkable place that has wowed people from around the UK for many years now. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the area before and experience the delights that have been created by Tunbridge Wells architects, we certainly recommend that you take the opportunity to do so.