Dezeen Debate: Goldsmith Mews Kent Powder‑Blue Mews Block

Architecture discourse thrives on projects that dare to divide opinion. Office S&M’s recently completed Goldsmith Mews in Kent is one such scheme.

This assertive infill housing block is clad in blue fibre-cement weatherboarding and punctuated by porthole windows. Featured in the latest Dezeen Debate newsletter, the project has sparked lively conversation about colour, context, and the evolving language of residential design.

The project sits alongside news of Frank Gehry’s passing, Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year, and a kinetic library by Es Devlin.

Goldsmith Mews: Bold Infill Housing in Kent

Goldsmith Mews is a textbook case of contemporary infill housing. It is a compact development that threads new homes into an existing urban fabric.

Office S&M have chosen a visually assertive strategy. They use strong colour and playful geometry to reframe what “background architecture” can be.

Blue Fibre-Cement Cladding and Porthole Windows

The most immediate characteristic of Goldsmith Mews is its distinctive blue fibre-cement weatherboarding. Fibre-cement is a durable, low-maintenance cladding that is resistant to rot, pests, and fire.

This makes it a sensible choice for dense residential schemes in the damp UK climate. Here, it becomes a graphic skin, giving the block a crisp, maritime clarity.

The porthole windows amplify that nautical association. They break from the usual rectilinear fenestration, turning each opening into a visual event.

These circular apertures add rhythm to the façade. From the inside, they frame curated views and bring in daylight differently from standard windows.

This kind of formal experimentation is part of a broader trend toward housing with a stronger visual identity. In infill scenarios, character is often lacking, so such moves stand out.

A Polarizing Addition to a Strong Portfolio

The project has divided readers, with one Dezeen Debate subscriber calling Goldsmith Mews “a single misstep in an otherwise stellar portfolio.” That response is telling.

Office S&M are known for their deft use of colour and characterful, context-aware interventions. Criticism often centers on the degree of boldness rather than the intent.

Has the blue gone too far? Are the portholes a delightful quirk or a gimmick?

Infill housing must balance three pressures: respecting neighbours, meeting performance standards, and contributing positively to the street. Goldsmith Mews tests where that balance sits.

Design Culture Framed by Dezeen Debate

The Goldsmith Mews discussion unfolded within the Dezeen Debate newsletter—currently the platform’s most popular briefing. This shows how curated commentary shapes architectural culture.

Dezeen filters projects that have provoked strong reactions. Reader responses are showcased as part of the story.

From Frank Gehry to Es Devlin: A Snapshot of the Discourse

Alongside Goldsmith Mews, the latest edition reported the death of Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. Gehry was a towering figure whose deconstructivist work changed how cities embrace landmark buildings.

His passing marks a generational transition in design leadership. Younger practices are experimenting with neighbourhood-scale inventions like Goldsmith Mews.

The newsletter also highlighted:

How Architects Use Dezeen’s Newsletter Ecosystem

For practitioners, Dezeen’s network of newsletters has become a fast, targeted way to track shifts in technology, culture, and client expectations. Each subscription offers a slightly different lens on the built environment.

Specialized Newsletters for a Fragmented Profession

Beyond Dezeen Debate, the platform curates several focused bulletins:

Occasional updates on services, breaking news, and industry event invitations are also included.

For those in architecture and engineering, these newsletters provide a real-time view of current topics. Coverage ranges from new housing projects in Kent to the influence of architectural leaders like Gehry.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dezeen Debate features a “mediocre” powder-blue mews block in Kent