9 MIN READ TIME

Modernist transformation

Heather Nevay had a clear vision for how this derelict barn could be transformed into her perfect home; and her partner, John Burke, knew exactly how to make it work

THE NEVAY & BURKE FILE

NAMES Heather Nevay & John Burke

OCCUPATIONS Artist & engineer

LOCATION Tighnabruaich, Argyll

TYPE OF BUILD Conversion & extension of a cow byre

STYLE Contemporary

CONSTRUCTION METHOD Timber frame, blockwork and steel frame

PLOT SIZE 1.5 acres

LAND COST £94,000

BOUGHT 2003

HOUSE SIZE 290m²

PROJECT COST £261,000

PROJECT COST PER M2 £900

TOTAL COST £355,000

VAT RECLAIM £19,000

BUILDING WORK COMMENCED 2007

BUILDING WORK TOOK Seven years

The cow byre prior to conversion. The couple have added a side extension and revised the internal volume to create sufficient height to incorporate an upper storey – whilst preserving many original features

When the Forestry Commission put a patch of land up for sale in 2003, Heather Nevay and her partner John Burke instantly recognised its potential. the plot included 1.5 acres of woodland, a cow byre – which the organisation was using as a workshop – and a small, dilapidated cottage that had been used as an office. By 2005 the couple had renovated the latter, which they transformed into a cosy one-bedroom, Scandinavian-style house, clad in timber both inside and out. Although they planned to rent out the property in the future, they decided to move from their current home in Glasgow and into the revamped dwelling. the main reason for this was so that they were located nearby to their next venture – converting the byre into their ideal abode.

The wraparound glazing and vaulted ceilings help to enhance the feeling of light and space

The couple had been living in a Victorian apartment in the West End of Glasgow, surrounded by busy bars and restaurants. But the desire for a change of gear led them to take on this next project. “We don’t have children like a lot of our friends do, but we still wanted a different pace of life, so being able to move to this stunning location was exactly what we needed,” says Heather. “the spot is secluded, but still has a couple of neighbours close by, which is a nice balance.”

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Build It
February 2017
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