Private Clients | Braemar, Scotland 2022 - ongoing

Planning Consent 2023

Overlooking the River Dee to the north the house at Lilybank, Braemar, is conceived as a croft-like form extending from a series of low drystone walls. The cross section through the house takes advantage of an awkward site with a 5m level change to accommodate bedrooms, gym and a garage in a lower level which is concealed from the public road by a low berm. A double-height entrance connects with the upper floor which in turn consists of a single long room with a 360-degree clerestory ribbon window. Exposed structural timbers run in line with the narrow plan - freeing the external envelop and supporting the upper roof which projects over an external kitchen. The living, dining and kitchen spaces are interrupted by a centrally located stove and study area. The narrow plan affords every room in the house its own view over the Dee valley.

Passive house principles utilising a ground source heat pump, heat recovery ventilation and high levels of insulation are combined with the orthogonal plan to increase material efficiency, reduce running costs and limit the carbon footprint. Natural, locally sourced materials allow this home to sit comfortably within its environment, with each room filled with the everchanging northern light.