Cairnconon Byre

Jim Stephenson

Cairnconon Byre reflects craftsmanship and sustainability

• Architects

Loader Monteith has completed a three-bedroom home in rural Angus, Scotland. Cairnconon Byre reflects the clients’ appreciation for craftsmanship and their passion for the beautiful rural landscape.

Inspired by their years in the Highlands, clients Angie Leslie and Colin Leslie envisioned a home that would honour rural Scottish architecture while embracing contemporary living. In 2009, the couple purchased a plot of land in the east of Scotland. The plot included a ruined stone byre that became an integral part of the new home. The reuse of existing on-site stone embodies Loader Monteith’s approach to material circularity, thereby reducing carbon impact and preserving the character of local architecture.

photo_credit Jim Stephenson — Jim Stephenson

Embracing old and new

The clients connected with Loader Monteith’s approach to working with both old and new. Employed in the construction and building material industries, they briefed the architects to help them design a home they could craft and make their own.

Thoughtful integration into the rural landscape and a strong connection to nature were key priorities. Cairnconon Byre is arranged in an L-shape plan oriented to capture views of the surrounding landscape while preserving privacy. The home includes a living room, kitchen and dining area, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The design draws inspiration from the existing byre, with the walls of one of the two new volumes formed using the byre's reclaimed Scottish Carmyllie stone. The sinusoidal coloured metal roof, inspired by local agricultural buildings, ensures its durability and connects the new build with its surroundings.

Colin Leslie, a skilled joiner, took on the roles of self-builder, project manager, and carpenter, while managing the challenges of constructing a new home in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite material shortages and weather delays that added project pressures, the couple’s expertise and unwavering commitment to the project ensured its successful completion.

Natural materials and craftsmanship

Internally, Cairnconon Byre is a celebration of natural materials and considered craftsmanship. Floating polished concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and wall panelling create a space that blends into the background, allowing the views across the landscape to take centre stage. The kitchen is a key gathering space: connected to the garden, it enhances the home’s close relationship with the outdoors.

Sustainable initiatives

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the project. The house features double glazing, high levels of insulation and airtightness, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, and an Air Source Heat Pump, ensuring optimal performance in the inclement Scottish climate. Reusing the reclaimed stone from the byre aligns with Loader Monteith’s commitment to sustainable building practices.

Client Angie Leslie reflects: “We were inspired by the old bothies we encountered on our walks around the Highlands, particularly their homely feel and connection to the landscape. It was important to us that our new home captured that same sense of history and belonging.”