The Steading

Innovative Single House Design (including extensions): category winner and distinction

Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement: distinction

Architect: Allison Joy Architects
Main Contractor: Workshop (Angus) Ltd 
Engineer: McKenzie Willis Ltd
Location: St Cyrus

This is a bespoke home which has been made from a collection of redundant farm buildings. The old sandstone walls have been retained and incorporated to form a walled garden. New elements of the building have been clad in Siberian larch open rain screen cladding and partially raised on stilts, respecting the existing topography of the site whilst maximising the surrounding views. The soft landscaping, wildflower meadow, pond, new fruit trees and the walled garden have united the house with its surrounding landscape and created a place for biodiversity to flourish.

Innovative Single House Design: judges comments

The judges commented that this scheme had been well developed to captivate the views, setting and the differing levels of the site to create a successful private oasis for the owners to enjoy. They felt that the new contemporary elements of the building grow out of the former structures and creates a modern home. The judges felt that the architect had spent time to get to know the clients and was able to successfully provide a home which suited their tastes and need.

Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement: judges comments

The judges appreciated the contrast between the courtyard spaces and the wildflower meadow. The meadow was expansive and simple with paths created through it, while the courtyard areas drew them in. The judges felt the use of the existing buildings married well with the house and how the two relate and that the landscaping was critical to the scheme.