Old Schoolhouse extension

A stunning addition to this home renovation gives the owners a room to be enjoyed year-round

Location: Northwest Scotland

Completed: 2021

Architect: Blueprint Architecture

Engineers: SF Structures

Glazing Specialists: Trombe

Materials: Partially kiln dried Douglas fir, concealed steel connections

Features: Client's request for no diagonal bracing and lack of horizontal timber ties internally required clever use of concealed steel flitch plates and connections

The use of hidden steel elements and an innovative glazing system allows for almost 360 views of the stunning Scottish landscape

As part of a complete renovation of three old school buildings into a habitable and functional family home, this client’s architects, Blueprint Architecture, included a glazed extension in the plans.

We had worked with the design team on a previous collaboration, so they approached us to provide the timber frame for this incredible addition.

The client’s brief was to avoid diagonal bracing in the frame – they wanted a minimal design which allowed for almost uninterrupted views, whilst still being able to enjoy the timber frame. The frame utilises subtle steel flitch plates and plugged bolts to provide bracing in the absence of timber or steel ties.

The frame is partially kiln dried Douglas fir – the clients wanted to use a Scottish redwood – and this reduces the moisture content which provides a more stable structure for the contemporary glazing system to attach to. It is possible to use this kind of glazing system on green timber, and we’ve worked with Trombe on a green oak frame previously.

For this project Trombe used innovative steel nodes to space the glazing off the frame and provide a connection between the two systems.

The frame was planed all over to give it a crisp finish.

This extension takes advantage of the incredible views over Loch Torridon and allows the clients to enjoy the beautiful setting, in all seasons.

Photography: Eoghan Smith Photography

If you’re thinking about an oak framed extension or perhaps a larger timber framed space, and you’d like to know more about how we can help you achieve this, please get in touch with us.

Old Schoolhouse extension

A stunning addition to this home renovation gives the owners a room to be enjoyed year-round

The use of hidden steel elements and an innovative glazing system allows for almost 360 views of the stunning Scottish landscape

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