RIAS Award 2015 – Winner
The new two-storey house now stands on the footprint of the original Victorian farmhouse, which had fallen into disrepair. To the rear, the design retains the central courtyard, now enclosed by the refurbished steadings and new service accommodation. The layout makes full use of the sloping site. Masonry retaining walls introduce level changes between the courtyard, dining kitchen, and living rooms.
Designers framed the new Highland Steading house in timber, using engineered floor joists, LVL beams, and roof trusses. These structural elements span onto central cores, creating open-plan interiors. Floor-to-ceiling glazing maximises the panoramic views of the landscape. The design blends modern construction with rural character.
Alterations to the original steadings included roof strengthening to support a deer larder frame. The team underpinned walls to match the proposed ground levels. They also installed a maintenance pit for inspecting estate vehicles. These changes ensured the existing buildings met new functional demands.
In addition, the team redesigned the external areas with practical drainage solutions. Hard landscaping and underground systems now direct surface water into a nearby burn. Meanwhile, foul water discharges into a package treatment plant, followed by a soakaway. These systems support sustainable and efficient site management.
