Glenburn

Nestled in the heart of the Strathmore Valley in south Aberdeenshire, this newly built family home, Glenburn, enjoys a tranquil setting surrounded by expansive arable farmland. From its position, the home commands stunning panoramic views, stretching from the Cairn o' Mount to the Hill of Garvock.

Designed with an L-shaped floor plan, Glenburn is perfectly attuned to the gently sloping, exposed site. Drawing inspiration from the region's agricultural buildings, the home’s forms blend seamlessly with the landscape, allowing the architecture to settle naturally within its surroundings. The larger two-storey wing, often perceived as almost shed-like from a distance, is cleverly concealed from many angles. Its simplicity is softened by carefully placed glazing that reveals the home’s contemporary and domestic character, particularly when viewed in harmony with the smaller, single-storey wing.

The building's envelope showcases a carefully selected, natural palette of materials that are both durable and familiar to the region’s architectural tradition. The two-storey wing is clad in sleek black corrugated steel from 2.1 meters upwards, with the lower portion finished in warm Thermopine cladding.

The single-storey wing, designed to resemble a smaller farm steading forming a courtyard upon arrival. Its exterior, wrapped in black corrugated steel, contrasts with the soft, warm timber-clad cutaway, to the south which creates an inviting outdoor space easily accessible from the open-plan living area. Glenburn’s black corrugated steel roofing draws from Scotland’s traditional building forms, helping to reduce the building’s mass while echoing the simplicity of rural vernacular.

The varied profiles and orientations of the cladding at the lower half of the building soften its visual impact, defining the home’s form while contributing to its sustainable qualities. This thoughtful design not only highlights the home’s modern architectural style but also ensures a respectful integration with its beautiful rural setting.