The Site
Located within Houston’s historic Conservation Area, the small vacant corner site is sandwiched between historic North Street and the adjacent Houston Burn.

Appraisal
The sensitive site is dominated by a large tree which has to be retained to comply with planning requirements. The site has a south facing aspect giving views over the burn, and a characterful stone boundary wall.

Client’s Brief
To design a small unique dwelling exploiting the unique characteristics of the site whilst responding to the historic surroundings.

The Scheme
A small two storey house reflecting the massing of neighbouring dwellings but taking an uncompromisingly modern approach. The house is positioned on the site to allow the large tree to remain unharmed and to take advantage of the limited view and access to sunlight. With a mix of zinc cladding to the roof and upper walls (reflecting the colour of slate of the neighbouring properties) and white render, the house presents a carefully scaled and sympathetic element within the historic streetscape.