New Build House, Ettrick Valley, Scottish Borders

Located a few miles outside Selkirk, this new home sits within the dramatic landscape of the Ettrick Valley — a place defined by natural beauty, history, and a strong sense of identity.

At its heart is the retained stone façade of a derelict 19th-century cottage — a tangible link to the past that anchors the new building in its setting. Behind this, we designed a highly energy-efficient contemporary home, carefully tailored to our clients’ needs and to the challenges of rural living.

Sustainability was central to the brief. The design maximises solar gain in winter whilst minimising summer overheating, incorporates high levels of insulation and airtightness and used locally sourced timber cladding. The reuse of existing stone not only preserves character but also reduces embodied carbon.

The result is a quietly confident home — one that balances modern living with contextual sensitivity, and low-impact design with craftsmanship and care.