Halvorsen Architects have just finished an extension to and remodelling of a house in Winchburgh, West Lothian.
The core of this house was a 19th-century cottage which has been extended many times, most recently in the 1970s. Halvorsen Architects were asked to add further accommodation and reconfigure the existing house to make the most of the views, bring in more light and rationalise the existing plan.
It’s glorious setting, next to a lake and within a beautiful mature garden, made this a very attractive project. The first step was to make new openings and enlarge the existing ones to the south, east and west, towards the large pond and garden. The sitting room and the kitchen were swapped so that the kitchen could become a large family room making the most of the the morning and early afternoon sun.
The previously painted cladding was removed from the central projecting bay and replaced with stained cladding to match that of the new bedroom wing.
Underfloor heating has been supplemented with ceiling mounted radiant panel heaters for boosting the heat or for occasional heating
All that is left to do is some external paintwork – being done by the client. It is always rewarding when clients do some of the work themselves as they tend to have a greater sense of satisfaction and enjoyment when the job is finished if they have been part of it. These clients are delighted with the end product.
