New Build House, Cardrona, Peebles, Scottish Borders

This new family home, located in the village of Cardrona near Peebles, is designed to sit lightly in its rural setting while making the most of its generous site and long views toward the River Tweed.

Our client approached us to replace an existing consented scheme with a more thoughtful and site-responsive design — one that would feel both contemporary and rooted in place.

The design reflects extensive consultation with the client, the planning department, and heritage and archaeology specialists.

The house has been carefully positioned and designed in response to topography, views, and the prevailing climate. frame a relationship with a nearby Scheduled Monument — an ancient standing stone — while maintaining respectful distance.

The material palette combines warm timber cladding, and areas of natural stone, referencing the textures and hues of the surrounding landscape. Natural materials and simple volumes allow the house to sit quietly in the landscape.

Generous glazing brings natural light into the home and frames westward views across the valley. Passive solar design reduces reliance on artificial lighting and heating, while louvres minimise summer overheating.

Inside and out, this is a house that responds directly to its site: contemporary, sustainable, sympathetic and tailored to modern family life.