This contemporary ground floor extension near the village of Arnprior was constructed for a creative couple who needed an accessible ground floor bedroom and en-suite addition to their existing barn conversion.

The brief was for a cor-ten steel clad extension that would link to the existing living room to provide easy access to their primary living space.

The existing converted barn is finished in a deep red render; a young Acer Griseum tree, with peeling chestnut coloured bark and red autumnal foliage, sits at the corner of the existing ruined sandstone walls and is visible on approach. When viewed in context the new extension complements this strong and vibrant colour palette of deep reds, browns and greys. These colours are offset by the greens of the lush garden and surrounding agricultural countryside.

The design features a glazed link that bridges between the existing house and the new extension, cor-ten rainscreen cladding covering the walls and roof and a large panoramic window that is carved out of the historic stone wall that formed part of a second old barn.

The extension is constructed in timber frame and insulated with natural wood fibre insulation creating a breathable, vapour open wall construction.

Engineer: David Narro Associates

Photography: David Barbour Photography