Sayart.net - Modern Extension Transforms Historic Scottish Farmhouse into Cohesive Family Home

A thoughtfully designed modern extension has successfully transformed the chaotic rear facade of a historic farmhouse in East Lothian, Scotland, creating a harmonious blend of old and new architecture. The B-listed Whitberry property, which had accumulated a confusing patchwork of additions over the years, has been given new life through the expertise of Pend Architects, who completed the project with a linear extension that not only rationalizes the interior layout but also opens up better access to the garden areas. The architectural firm faced the challenge of bringing order to what had become a jumbled collection of historic additions while respecting the property's heritage status. Their solution involved creating a modern extension that serves as a unifying element, knitting together the existing brick and sandstone components into a more cohesive and functional whole. The new extension features several distinctive design elements that pay homage to the original structure while establishing its own contemporary identity. A striking fluted stone wall serves as a visual reference to the traditional pantile roof, while timber sliding doors and full-height glazing create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The reddish-pink stonework specifically references the front facade, ensuring visual continuity throughout the property. Ben MacFarlane, an associate at Pend Architects, explained the firm's approach to the project: 'We began by analyzing what it was that gave the existing property so much character and charm, to enable us to learn how to preserve and enhance this through our own interventions. With trusting and supportive clients, we pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved and created a playful and contextually appropriate solution for the rear elevation which sat comfortably alongside its predecessors and facilitated a modern family lifestyle.' The extension creates visual links to the main house through innovative design features, including a glass-to-glass corner detail and a small courtyard that occupies the remaining void space. These elements ensure that the new addition feels integrated rather than merely attached to the existing structure. The practical benefits of the renovation are equally impressive. What was previously an incoherent network of passages and rooms has been rationalized into a logical flow that better serves contemporary family living. The centerpiece of the new design is an open-plan kitchen that now serves as the heart of family life, replacing the previously fragmented spaces with a cohesive area for cooking, dining, and gathering. The extension also dramatically improves the property's relationship with its outdoor spaces. The full-height glazing and thoughtfully positioned openings create better access to the garden while framing views of the landscape beyond. This connection to nature was a key consideration in the design, recognizing that modern families increasingly value indoor-outdoor living. The project represents a successful example of how contemporary architecture can enhance rather than compromise historic properties. By carefully analyzing the existing building's character and responding with contextually appropriate materials and forms, Pend Architects has created an addition that feels both respectful of the past and relevant to present-day needs. The renovation addresses a common challenge in historic property renovation: how to adapt utility spaces at the rear of properties for modern family living while maintaining the elegance and character of the original front-facing architecture. The solution demonstrates that with careful design consideration and skilled execution, it's possible to create additions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of heritage buildings.