A Post-Pandemic Update on Some of Our Recent Home Improvement Projects – Part 2

Over the past few months, we’ve been rolling up our sleeves and are thrilled to share our work across a diverse range of recently completed projects

Seaside Serenity: An ‘A rated House renovation and Extension perfect for coastal living.

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Anstruther in Fife, a once unassuming 60’s house has undergone a sustainable transformation that blends modern architecture with the tranquility of its coastal surroundings. 

The driving force behind this renovation was a vision to maximise the breathtaking coastal views but also to upgrade the house into a modern energy efficient home. The design incorporates a modern wrap-around extension that not only opens up the living spaces to panoramic views of the renowned Billowness Beach and Anstruther Golf Course but also strategically captures south-facing solar gain, flooding the open plan interiors with natural light. The design also incorporates a full solar PV array and storage battery that fuels not only the whole electricity demand of the house, but also powers an Air Source Heat Pump for efficient heating of the much upgraded thermal envelope of the house.

This means that the house boasts an impressive ‘A’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating which is great for a 1960’s house.

Externally, the use of rich timber textures coexists with bold, contemporary hues, creating a symphony of warmth and vibrancy against the coastal backdrop. The minimalist aesthetic, paying homage to mid-century design elements, ensures that every corner of the space feels curated and intentional.

Penrice Place, Upper Largo: A bold statement with great views of the Fife countryside

Next up is this bold little extension and renovation project in Upper Largo, Fife. The project creates an energy efficient house extension, using simple renewable materials like timber to the best of their capabilities.

The main focus of the extension was to increase space and maximising views of the surrounding countryside while also providing a seamless transition between inside and outside when the weather permits.

The open corner bifold door arrangement seamlessly connects the internal lounge space with the rear garden and surrounding landscape. The use of thermopine timber cladding enhances the natural beauty of the mono-pitch roof shape, while quirky interiors and vibrant colors add a touch of spark to each space.

Easter Coats, Newburn: Contrasting sustainable extension to an aging traditional cottage

The design of this interesting project consists of a timber two-story SIPS panel extension that replaced an existing run-down entrance porch. The extension provides space for a dining room and entrance porch at ground level. To the rear, a staircase leads up to a multi-purpose room with a Juliette balcony and a new bathroom, while also enabling storage in the disused attic of the existing cottage.

The new extension not only adds extra space and a new elevated view of the Firth of Forth to the rear, but also adds additional thermal performance to the envelop of the existing cottage.

Sustainability Strategy
The extension was designed with maximum efficiency in mind, using Structurally Insulated Panels (Sips) for the main frame, and untreated Siberian larch timber cladding to the main volume. There is also plenty of glass to take advantage of the solar gain.

The heating system has been upgraded and prepared for future installation of Solar PV panels.

Woodburn, Ceres: Oak Frame Elegance

Nestled among the protected trees of Ceres Woods in Fife, this small project extends the existing house into the elevated garden with a green oak frame and glass giving incredible views of Ceres and the surrounding countryside.  It offers a tranquil retreat where its owners can truly unwind.

Crafted from a traditional green oak frame, it features direct glazing panels, insulated timber frame panels and a brick hearth wall / wood-burning stove on the gable end.

Energy efficiency is achieved through solar-controlled double glazing that enhances natural light, reduces heat loss and maximises passive solar gain. The oak frame ensures year-round comfort and a natural beauty of the exposed structure.

Oak cladding boards adorn the side panels externaly, while a double glass door opens to an external decking area. One interesting aspect of this extension, is that it is built on pile foundations to avoid damaging the surrounding tree roots.