LETHAM MAINS HOUSE
Location: Haddington, East Lothian
Client:Private Client
Programme: Completed 2006
Letham Mains sits in the East Lothian countryside, with long views across flat fields towards the Firth of Forth. The project was based around a small existing house and garage which the owners wanted to develop as a spacious family home. The project expanded the living accommodation and kitchen as well as refurbishing the existing house. The design creates a contrasting type of space to the original building and takes advantage of the spectacular views and quality of light offered by the site.
The introduction of a long rendered wall joins the existing house with the garages, while providing a clear definition between the public entry side and the private garden side. This wall also emphasises the flatness of the landscape and provides a base for the key feature of the house, a small glazed tower or nest which defines the architectural language of the extension and provides both views and surveillance from an interesting position.
The materials were kept deliberately simple and appropriate to their situation with white render, zinc and timber being the formation of the architectural palette. The interior has a wood burning stove as its central focus. The final result is a highly economic but distinctive family home that responds to its landscape context.