• Once there was an open field on a hill with gradual undulating contours, and distance views. Then there was an open field with undulating contours and concrete.

    This private residence grows out of the hill. The concrete structure reveals itself in panels and columns, cantilevers and voids.

    Planted enclosures, not physical boundaries, new tree plantation gardens start to define a series of open and sheltered spaces. The merging of two landscapes, Horticultural and Agricultural. The third landscape is the concrete structure with its raw nature, un decorated non polished surfaces.

    An existing ruin with decaying walls is the only “building “we inherited from the site, it’s beautifully protected amongst large Beech and Lime tree’s close to the top of the sloping ground.

    To the east we located the new house. A triangular single level floor plan with the apex of its roof form orientated towards the ruin. A tension between the old and new structures is created. One recognise the historical times of the ruin from the present time of a large concrete cantilevering roof.

  • A traditional, vernacular house resting between vast sky's and distant horizons.

    In this region of the east coast Scotland, building forms become landmarks and exposed objects in the flat landscape. Boundaries of old villages are defined by structured tree planting (shelter from north sea winds), with ancient church spires and bell towers protruding into the sky line.

    The site for this house is on the “outside” of these boundaries. This new form on the earth is exposed to (or resting between) the big 3 planes. Land, Sea and Sky.

    We used a simple vernacular plan form and generated a hierarchy of spaces culminating with the “grand hall. The public , social gathering place of the house that represents the openness (or heavenly) expression of the outside landscape and the repeating ecclesiastical forms. The public space is defined by an exposed structural order of glue laminated beams generating a rhythm of archways.

  • Revival - Noun

    “An improvement in the conditions, strength, or fortunes of someone or something”

    We were introduced to this old building in the same way you are introduced to an older person. Looking ( seeing ) beyond the superficial signs of aging we discover the grace and beauty of the younger person shining outwardly.

    This non-listed, pre 1861 victorian villa has experienced, or one could say, endured several acts of design vandalism over its long life.

    Our project consists of the lower level of the sub divided house ( first act ) and surrounding garden sheds.

    We wanted to revive and expose the original “shinning” light of this grand old house. The ill considered extensions and internal configurations will be removed. The original “ handshake” at the front door will be rebuilt to formally welcome new guests. A private entrance will be created on the east gable via a raised plinth. A duality is created between two roof forms, different in scale and material, these new buildings slide past each other giving the idea of movement. The measure of time ( life ) is represented in the context of movement.

  • The nature of materials is not only an aesthetic question but also a capability question. It could be agreed that the material is not natural to start with, it becomes a new form and composition only after a manufacturing process.

    This brings us to the humble brick. An ancient building component that’s natural qualities seem to be that of an unassuming workhorse of structures throughout multiple epochs.

    A refurbished Mill building (made of stone) was surrounded by several axillary buildings of “lesser” importance. They were made of bricks. the passage of time dictated that the stone building be retained and converted into a house while the brick buildings are demolished.

    We are reuniting the brick with the stone in this project for a 3 level house. The brickwork will live with another ancient workhorse of structure, In-situ-concrete.

    The proposed structure, elevator shaft and open stairs will be in-situ concrete, with “rough” exposed shuttering finishes.