Winner of
The Saltire Medal and Single Dwelling Award 2017
Lane’s End
Dumfriesshire
Architect: John Murray Architect
Client: Freda Blackwood
Contractor: 3b Construction Ltd
Born of a clear unity of purpose between client and architect, this delightful mews type house fronts on to a narrow lane in the centre of Thornhill and opens out to reveal charming, light filled interiors built round a beautifully conceived and secluded walled garden. The visitor feels instantly at home in both.
What were the key aims and objectives of the Project:
To create a new mews type house in a relatively constrained urban setting comprising;
-Garden with sheltered courtyard type spaces enclosed by high perimeter walls or fences
-modest, low energy, fully accessible house with good daylighting
- accommodate the detailed list of client requirements: entrance hall, open plan kitchen, dining, sitting area, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, garage, utility, artists studio with north light and sink, study office
-To reuse the stone from the existing garage on the site
Key Design Intentions and Execution:
- Site is between terraced, formal, tall properties to the south, newer housing development to the north and next to the former Drill Hall
- Lane is narrow with no parking or turning areas
- within walking distance of shops and amenities
-Deed of Servitude was sought to bring utilities through the adjacent landowners yard
frontage of the new house was set back to ease construction at the edge of the lane and
widen access to the garage and front door
-Contractor programmed “just in time” delivery of materials
-Mews property located right in the town centre with its own privacy
- 1 ½ storey form follows the profile of the adjacent Drill Hall
-L shaped plan arranged around a sunny garden space enclosed with high walls and fences
public rooms face the south east walled garden
- Upper floor contains a north lit artist’s studio
-Delightful interior addressing the secret garden with upper floor distant views to the hills are a
surprise to all who visit.