The Origami House
The Origami House features a new rear extension to a family home in the Buchlyvie Conservation Area of Stirlingshire located in Scotland, United Kingdom. The ground floor plan of the existing cottage was composed of small, dark rooms which closed the house off from the expansive rear garden. The clients asked Loader Monteith to upgrade the home and bring the outside in and to allow for plenty of natural light, a new dining space, study area, shower room and kitchen.
Loader Monteith placed the new kitchen at the heart of the plan which unlocked several opportunities within the constrained footprint of the 1980’s cottage. The galley-style kitchen connects the existing sitting room at the front of the home to the new dining space at the rear, allowing the family constant connection in separate yet connected zones of the ground floor.
A large wrap around window seat of Douglas fir characterises the rear extension, placing the clients directly into the garden. Overhead, a new glazed aperture maximises light flowing into the kitchen, ensuring the centre of the plan remains light and airy.
The exposed timber structure overhead adds to the sense of space throughout, further enhanced by a palette of neutral, natural materials including soft white walls and a light micro-cement floor.
The studio added a quiet study nook where the children can complete their homework while still having a visual connection to their parents in the kitchen through exposed douglas fir shelving, now home to the clients’ collection of turned wood sculptures.