This project involves the conversion of an L-shaped barn which is located on the outskirts of Lockerbie. The existing barn forms the north and west sides of a courtyard, and in the south-east corner is an existing farmhouse. The barns and farmhouse are linked via freestanding stone walls. Connected to the north of the barn is a circular shaped 'gin-gang' structure, originally built as a horse engine to power a threshing mill.

​

Our strategy towards the design of the conversion is to respect the material presence of the original stone structure, positioning and designing new openings to have a proportional relationship with the existing openings, and in doing so avoiding excessively large areas of glazing.  The same intention is placed upon the roof. The arrangement of the layout has been planned to coincide with the found nature of the spaces.

​

Externally, there are no significant material interventions that seek to undermine the original presence and character of the stone and slate structure, other than the inclusion of high performance composite windows and roof lights.  Where recessed infill walling was required, we incorporate smooth sawn stone which does not mimic but provides a subtle contrast in texture to the original random rough walling.  

​

The proposal adopts a number of sustainable measures embedded within the design including, a highly insulated fabric to minimise heat loss, robust design detailing, triple glazed high performance windows, whole house heat recovery system, air source heat pump delivering low temperature underfloor heating and hot water, woodburning stove providing secondary heat source and minimum impact upon existing mass of original stone walling.

​