Internal rearrangement and extension to a historic cottage in a beautiful rural conservation village.

What was the brief?

Having recently bought this charming old cottage in the heart of Fintry’s conservation area, our clients’ initial aspiration was to create a glass box pointing at the view: the Campsie Fells.

Together, we decided on a warmer solution to building in rural Scotland. We looked at the roof as a piece of Origami, with a glass clerestory below – protecting those views the homeowners were keen to elevate.

What were the key challenges?

Early liaison with Stirling Council Planning Department led us to a proposal that preserved elements defining the conservation area, like the white harling, slate roof and black windows. To the rear of the property, the language changed to take advantage of the views – with sliding glazing and a triangular clerestory below a folding roof.

The planners were determined that the design looked 'traditional' from any public area, and it was hard fought to allow a large area of glazing to be used to the private garden side.

What were the solutions?

We adjusted the layout of the cottage internally, relocating the kitchen into the former extension so it had a relationship with the garden and new sunken terrace.

The clients wanted inherent warmth throughout the inside, so birch ply was used for the ceiling and as pieces of built-in furniture. The robust slate floor runs from the inside to the terrace – making the outside space feel like part of the home.

What are the sustainability features?

We worked very hard with the contractors to ensure that the materials were all sourced locally, including a reclaimed slate roof from a nearby derelict farmhouse. The house already had a heat pump and we packed the extension with insulation to make sure that the additional draw on it was minimised, and thus didn't require replacement.