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
WORDS ALISON GIBB PHOTOS DOUGLAS GIBB
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.”