Happy New Year to you all…2016 is shaping up to be a busy and challenging year here at Fife Architects in a good way! Fired up with ‘January oomph’ we are currently working on a new build house at an unusual plot nestled on the shores of the Forth, south of Dunfermline. Located close to a derelict iron foundry with a notable industrial past, the foundry ruin is providing us with inspiration for the design of a new 5 bedroom home. This now seemingly rural spot in Fife was once the centre of an industry leading the way in the Scottish industrial revolution. The foundry dates back to 1795 and was run by the Elgin estate for decades, with the pig iron and lime used in the smelting process mined directly from the surrounding estate. The history of the foundry is sketchy but it is known that it was particularly famous for it’s anchors and also produced goods for the railway, ships and pits, which were shipped worldwide from the harbour. We show here some pictures of the derelict Ironworks and look forward to sharing more on this project later on in the year.
We have previously posted about our Doocot conversion (June 26th 2015) which is now underway. We have since moved on to the second phase of this project for our clients, the extension and refurbishment of their gatehouse lodge. The Doocot and the gatehouse are closely located to each other and it was felt that the design of the gatehouse should compliment the design of the Doocot. Constructed from dark Wemyss stone with sandstone quoins and surrounds, a Gothic styled porch and a rendered extension at the rear; two extensions are proposed at either end of the property which will provide two additional bathrooms and a porch/hallway. The exterior will be finished with charred larch which will also be used on the top floor extension of the Doocot.
The proposals include re-configuring the interior creating an open plan kitchen, living and dining area with two new bathrooms. A particular feature of this design is the modern interpretation of the traditional hipped roof of the original building. The design also subtly references the gothic inspired porch through the use of the corner windows.
