HAWKSFORD HOUSE

Location: Edinburgh

Client: Private Client

Programme: Completed 2000

Our client has a son with cerebral palsy which resulted in physical limitations that made a well-designed and barrier-free environment crucial.

The new extension provided an opportunity to create an enabling environment which would cater for Barry's needs and interests and at the same time addressing the more general question of design for disabled people. This involved avoiding the clumsy and institutional nature of many of the elements often found in this type of project.

The design is based on a carefully considered environmental agenda where the elements are positioned to respond to the local micro climate and take maximum advantage of passive solar gain.

The main space is conceived as two distinct elements. A glazed east facing wall which allows the sun to both warm up and psychologically enliven the space in the morning and a solid west facing element to protect from afternoon overheating, but allowing the space to enjoy a warm evening glow through a band of roof lights.

This strategy also provides privacy from adjacent neighbouring properties and allows the glazed spaces to enjoy views to the house’s private garden and a wooded river valley beyond. The result is an inspiring space, which responds to the opportunities presented by its site and use.