The Coach House
RENOVATIONs and CONVERSIONs
THE COACH HOUSE
The Brief
The Coach House is a conversion, renovation and extension project undertaken with sustainability in mind. Our client gave us a unique opportunity to repurpose an existing structure in a way that minimizes environmental impact while preserving a traditional building for future generations.
Originally used for storing carriages and horses to service the main house on the estate, the property had fallen into disrepair. The brief was to transform the property into holiday letting accommodation offering functional, light-filled spaces which retain the character of the original building. By focusing on sustainable design principles, our aspiration was to breathe new life into a historic building while contributing to the broader goals of sustainability.
LOCATION
Parkhill Estate, Aberdeenshire
AWARDS
YEAR COMPLETED
2023
KEY INFORMATION
Conversion of an old vernacular coach house building and addition of a contemporary extension to form a holiday home in Aberdeenshire.
The Design
One of the most significant environmental benefits of the project is the adaptive reuse of an existing building. Repurposing old structures reduces the need for new construction materials, making the most of existing resources, and reducing the environmental footprint of the building. Care was taken to reuse existing openings, some of which were uncovered during construction, to preserve the original character of the building and minimise the need for new lintels. A new rear extension was added to accommodate a new kitchen/ dining space with views across the countryside beyond.
Sustainability has been further achieved by using eco-friendly, natural materials., Natural sheep’s wool insulation was specified for the existing structure, improving energy efficiency while keeping the construction breathable. Existing stone was repointed in lime mortar and exposed internally in some areas to enhance the interior. New structure was designed in timber to minimise environmental impact, new glulam beams support the ridge. The extension roof is finished with red/brown zinc, chosen as a high-quality material which complements the existing stone, is long lasting and recyclable. Designed with energy efficiency and low-maintenance materials in mind, this has resulted in lower running costs, reduced energy bills and minimal upkeep. The Coach House is part of the historic fabric of Parkhill Estate. By maintaining its original architectural character, a sustainable conversion has preserved the cultural heritage of the area. Retaining features such as stone walls and traditional window patterns not only respects the history of the building but also ensures that the project aligns with the principles of sustainability by avoiding unnecessary demolition and rebuilding.
