Residential Steading Development, Midlothian

Jefcoate Anderson Architects were appointed in 2005 by an Edinburgh based developer to design a residential development on the site of a dilapidated farm in Midlothian.

Despite the initial hostility of the planning department to any form of residential development on the site we were able to put forward a solid case for the development. Through high quality design and by referencing both local and national planning policy and guidance we were able to convince the planning department to support the proposals and planning permission was granted in 2007.

This high quality, low density housing comprises anew ‘Farmhouse’, three steading style houses, and a stable and garage building.

The buildings form a steading style arrangement around a shared courtyard area, closely following the layout of the existing farm buildings, creating a safe, sheltered and welcoming environment, appropriate to its rural setting. The houses are orientated to maximise views and natural light.

In order to maintain a sense of place the design of the development draw on the simple geometries, proportions and scale of local, traditional rural architecture.

While using this as a source of inspiration the development is a contemporary and modern re-interpretation of traditional architecture using details such as the composition of window openings and materials to create architecture that is distinctive and responsive rather than simple pastiche.

Materials are taken from a simple palette of the following; 

External Walls-  render, local natural stone, siberian larch

Roofs- Slate, Lead flashings etc

Windows- Timber framed double glazed units

Rainwater goods- Cast Iron

Access to the site is achieved in a sympathetic manner sensitive to the surroundings with the use of soft verges and river washed gravel.

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