Bankbrae

This project is located on the outskirts of Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire. The property has been the result of a series of joining up extensions of the existing farm and byre out houses. The internal accommodation has been compromised by the awkwardness of the conversion. The client was keen to retain the majority of the existing buildings and limit the amount of demolition work. The local planning department had advised the client that a new build house proposal on another part of the site would not be supported for approval. Our design brief was to review the existing buildings and their accommodation and improve the quality of the living spaces. Many of the existing rooms are dark and do not take advantage of the long distance views towards the hills above the river Clyde. The circulation was unclear with many rooms becoming corridors.

Bankbrae

We studied the site constraints and it’s opportunities and realised that the existing access road was in the wrong place. By re-directing the access road in front of the original farmhouse and terminating it with in a reconfigured courtyard, this external circulation and arrival point started to influence the new spaces on the plan. The existing single storey byre building was increased to two storeys. This increase in height formed a double height entrance lobby space and set out the circulation diagram for connecting the remaining buildings. A contemporary two story timber clad box was positioned to the west of the plan, with the living room, open plan kitchen and dining placed on the upper level of the new box. A swimming pool and exercise wing were planned on the lower level, below the living accommodation. A smaller staircase connects the levels at this part of the plan.

Bankbrae

Credits

Private House.
Bridge of Weir, Scotland.
2008-2009

Client: Private
Gross floor Area: 650m²
Architect: Guido MacLellan
Structural Engineer: N/A
Contractor: N/A