Hey there, welcome back to Part 2 of our exciting journey through the projects that have sprung to life in the wake of the pandemic. If you’ve been following since Part 1, you’re already in the loop about the special circumstances that have fueled our collaborative spirit in this fresh post-pandemic era. These circumstances have sparked a surge of creative inspiration, resulting in a truly impressive array of completed projects, especially in the realm of home improvement and sustainable design.
Over the past few months, we’ve been rolling up our sleeves and are absolutely thrilled to unveil the fruits of our labor across a diverse range of recently completed projects. We’ve been channeling our energy into everything from the delicate craftsmanship of sustainable home improvements to the exciting design task of breathing new life into ageing structures.
So, let’s continue to dive in and uncover the narratives that lie behind our most recent transformative projects.
The past few months has seen completion of a number of projects that span the spectrum of our ethos, from the subtleties of sustainable home improvements to the sweeping transformations of renovations that breathe new life into ageing buildings.
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 breathtaking transformation that seamlessly 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.
After the world stopped, we have found even more joy in our work and it has been a real pleasure seeing our ideas come to life. It inspires us to go above and beyond for each project we undertake.
Penrice Place, Upper Largo: A bold statement with great views
Next up is this bold and stunning little extension and renovation project in Upper Largo, Fife. The project captures the essence of our approach to modern design by creating an energy efficient house extension and using simple renewable materials like timber to the best of their capabilities, but without compromising in style.
The main focus of the project was on maximizing views of the surrounding countryside and providing a seamless transition between inside and outside.
The open corner bifold door arrangement seamlessly connects the internal lounge space with the picturesque rear garden and surrounding landscape. The use of thermopine timber cladding enhances the natural beauty of the modern mono-pitch roof, while quirky interiors and vibrant colors add a touch of excitement to each space.
The open corner bifold door arrangement seamlessly connects the internal lounge space with the picturesque rear garden and surrounding landscape.
Easter Coats, Newburn: Contrasting sustainable extension to an aging traditional cottage
The design of this interesting project consists of a timber two-story extension to the rear of the property to replace the 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-style 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 much-needed connection to the view 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, with a render base. There is 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.
In essence, this design venture was an inspiring journey, embracing innovation, sustainability and adaptability, resulting in an exquisite living space.
Woodburn, Ceres: Oak Frame Elegance
Nestled among the ancient trees of Ceres Woods and its enchanting walking trails in Ceres, Fife, this small Oak Frame Extension seamlessly extends the house into the garden using a green oak frame as the structure and internal finish. It offers a tranquil retreat where its owners can unwind throughout the year.
Crafted from green oak, it features direct glazing panels and merges seamlessly with insulated timber frame panels alongside a brick chimney wall 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.
The gable end showcases non-combustible light grey bricks for aesthetics and safety, crowned with natural grey slate roofing, exposed oak fascias, and soffits. Lead flashing adds durability and elegance.
Oak cladding boards adorn the side panels, while a double glass door opens to an external decking area. The extension rests on grey brick foundations, forming an extended planter for added visual appeal.
This small Oak Frame Extension seamlessly extends the house into the garden using a green oak frame as the structure and internal finish. It offers a tranquil retreat where its owners can unwind throughout the year.
“
We enjoyed working on these projects and bringing visions of our clients to reality
We strive to provide the highest quality of design while always listening to the clients’ needs. If you want to find out more about our services and what we can do to help you make your ideas a reality, please get in touch!
Related Articles
Bringing Architectural Visions to Life: From Concept to Reality the Fife Architects Way
More than just pretty pictures: See how Fife Architects take projects from concept renders to a real-world building through careful planning, design, and collaboration. At Fife Architects, we believe the journey of an architectural project is a fascinating one, from...
Fife Architects Coastal Project Featured in Selfbuilder and Homemaker
Selfbuilders + Homemaker magazine has featured one of our coastal projects. It was a pleasure working with Suzanne and David to create their ideal home, and we’re delighted to hear they had a positive experience as well. "The couple’s self-build adventures...
Four of Fife Architect’s projects featured in this years Urban Realm Magazine ASA24 Annual
Fife Architects Featured in the ASA24 from Urban Realm We are thrilled to be featured several times in this years ASA24. We appreciate the recognition for these selected projects, more information can be found below... Coastal Renovation | Balbirnie Gate...
