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Humewood House
LOCATION: Hume, Scottish Borders
CLIENT: Private
CONTRACTOR: JMS Harkin
The village of Hume is located in Berwickshire between the towns of Greenlaw and Kelso. The hamlet has a medieval core, with detached dwellings of varying periods set out along a single road and facing southwards towards the imposing Scheduled Ancient Monument of Hume Castle.
The client resided in the former Victorian village schoolhouse and tasked CSY with the design of a new dwelling in the adjacent plot that would respect the immediate historic context yet be of a contemporary nature.
CSY initiated early discussion with local authority conservation officers and archaeologists, establishing from historical records that the village dated from 12th century and developed as a classic Castle Town. Historic map analysis indicated that the plot contained archaeological remains and early investigative works have to be managed as part of the construction process.
The clients worked closely and collaboratively with CSY to realise their vision. At the core of the design was the desire to create a contemporary dwelling that did not significantly detract from the ability to experience, appreciate and understand Hume Castle within the wider historic context.
Drawing on the vernacular form and existing grain of the village, the team conceived the new house as a dual pitch, interlinked single-storey house. Running parallel to the road to respect the existing medieval grain, the ridge height was kept at the same level as the adjacent Old School House.
A restrained, high-quality material palette was carefully selected, with blackened timber cladding and steel roof carefully detailed to appear flush and bring emphasis to the simple, vernacular form of the dwelling.
Following the granting of all statutory consents, CSY collaborated successfully with a local contractor to carefully detail the whole project, including the birch-faced plywood internal linings that provide much of the character to the pared-back interior.
An air source heat pump and wood burning stove were implemented as part of the heating system and allowance was made for PV panel installation to the roof, complimenting the highly insulated, air-tight building envelope, to provide a holistic, low-energy strategy.
Humewood House is now a beautiful family home, full of light and connected to the mature garden. Contributing assertively to the character of Hume village, the interior the clients desired when they approached CSY exudes warmth and simplicity.
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