Project: Kirk HouseProject Type: IndividualYear: 2012Client: Mr + Mrs MonksArchitect: Dualchas ArchitectsLocation: Gorstan, Garve, Ross-shireContext: RuralSector: PrivateCost Per Sqm: £1580
The fundamental brief was to convert a church into a three bedroomed home. It was our intention to respect the form, scale and massing of the original building but to address the problem of different cill and head heights of the gable and long elevation windows and the lack of daylight. We wanted to avoid placing a floor through the existing openings so developed a design of 4 levels which takes you from the entrance through the public spaces to eventually the master bedroom high in the apex of the roof.
The church sits sheltered by woods, between the railway high above and the main road below. The new access road changed the orientation of the church so that the westerly gable becomes the entrance façade. The stonework was in good structural condition but the timber lintols were mostly replaced. The church lacked sufficient daylight and it was decided to bring all additional light through the roof rather than make new openings in the stonework. With the main living space above the kitchen/dining space, additional light was brought through new rooflights providing long views over the road to Ben Wyvis.
Our approach was to achieve the aims of our client as quietly as possible. The internal detailing is restrained. There is a reduced palette of materials, a grey concrete coloured tile and cast fire surround and a simple oak floor upstairs. The stair was built as an object within the space. The lighting design refers to its ecclesiastical past and the furniture and fittings are classic twentieth century pieces. There is little evidence from the approach of the interior beyond. However, a coloured light in the restored bell, a stainless steel bell push and a cast concrete courtyard give hints of the quality of the interior finishes.
There are no new openings in the stonework nor changes to the windows. In theory all the building work could be taken away and replaced at a later date without repair to the stonework. The church is heavily insulated and heated by an air source heat pump with a large wood burner at the centre of the space. The wood burner provides adequate space heating for the main living spaces which helps to reduce running costs as do the low energy lights. Wood can be gathered from the woods around the church.