The extension and renovation of an existing house, located in the Highlands north of Aviemore. The housenamed, named Rise Park, sits in a clearing amongst beautiful, mature woodland. At the western end of the house, a new glazed living space opens up to the garden with a tall brick chimney that punctuates the otherwise long, horizontal elevation. Having recently moved from California, our clients are keen to channel some mid-century, Case Study House vibes! The new living space, with exposed timber roof structure, wood burning stove and a bi-folding glazed screen that opens up to the south-west facing garden and woodland beyond.

At the east end, the roof-line is extended to form a new two storey wing providing more bedroom and bathroom accommodation. A ground source heat pump array and significantly upgraded thermal performance of the building envelope, form part of the environmental strategy.

The original house had some incongruous neo-classical stylings and lacked connectivity between the internal spaces and the lovely, woodland setting. New, enlarged window openings to the living spaces within the house provide much greater transparency and open-ness between outside and in. Panels of pale coloured timber cladding, white roughcast walls, simple metal detailing to roof edges and window openings, all aim to create a more contemporary and consistent appearance.