05 September 2025
Ashmere wins two Housing Design Awards for excellence in placemaking
David Birkbeck, CEO of Design for Homes, said: "There are few large developments where you can feel the human focus. And there are even fewer that win Housing Design Awards, two in this case. Ebbsfleet needed better placemaking and now Vistry has delivered the quality it wanted."
Ashmere, a flagship development by Vistry Kent within Ebbsfleet Garden City, has been awarded a prestigious Housing Design Award, celebrating its outstanding contribution to sustainable and community-focused placemaking.
The development, which currently includes 281 homes across a mix of private and affordable tenures, is part of a wider vision to deliver 3,000 homes alongside schools, shops, green spaces, and sustainable transport links. Inspired by the UK’s garden city heritage, Ashmere offers a modern interpretation of village living, with a strong emphasis on local character and environmental integration.
The site, delivered under the Countryside Homes brand, was commended for its distinctive design — drawing from the surrounding chalk cliffs, farmland heritage, and nearby Kent villages. Judges praised its pedestrian-friendly layout, biodiverse landscapes, and the thoughtful inclusion of community amenities and richly planted open spaces.
Ashmere was designed in line with the Building for a Healthy Life (BFHL) principles — a nationally recognised framework that promotes healthier, greener, and more inclusive neighbourhoods. The award highlights Vistry’s commitment to creating places that are not only beautiful, but also support wellbeing and sustainability.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and vision of everyone involved in Ashmere. It’s a shining example of how thoughtful design can shape communities where people truly love to live,” said Chris Foot, associate development director for Vistry Kent.
Ashmere continues to set a benchmark for future developments within Ebbsfleet Garden City and beyond.