Newhouse of Auchengree

OUR APPROACH

We began by researching traditional North Ayrshire rural buildings, leading to our approach for a cluster of pitched-roof volumes positioned around a three-sided courtyard to shield the site from harsh weather conditions.

The buildings were designed to be clad in zinc with concealed guttering to create simple, contemporary silhouettes which reference local agricultural forms and the former steel and iron foundries in the valley.

The house is accessed via sliding barn doors which can be open or closed to offer privacy, security and shelter from the elements, creating a secluded and social outdoor space for all ages.

Each element of the house is accessed from the courtyard and connected internally by a flowing route with carefully framed views of the landscape.

RESULT AND IMPACT

We gained planning consent under North Ayrshire’s new stringent three-stage ‘Single House in the Countryside’ policy (similar to Paragraph 84 of the NPPF), creating a house design which celebrates the area’s heritage and landscape.

After a 12 month build, Mike and Sally happily moved into their home. With the master bedroom suite and living spaces located on the ground floor, the house will adapt to their changing needs and provide lifelong connections with the Scottish landscape they love.