Christine Leeman Architect have been appointed by Buccleuch Estates to undertake a challenging and exciting project at Sheriffhall Mains in Midlothian for the conversion of redundant farmhouse into a new energy-efficient offices with the historic barns and modern agricultural sheds into state-of-the-art specialist veterinary facilities.

A series of feasibility studies were initially undertaken to assess appropriate uses options that could be accommodated within the unique mix of existing buildings encompassing domestic; agricultural; heritage and modern.  

The site benefits from both a rural setting and generous acreage whilst also is near excellent transport connections of the Edinburgh City Bypass and recently reopened Borders railway line. Careful consideration and site analysis was given to the strategy for visitor, staff and delivery vehicular access, parking, and utilities to provide safe access to / within the site and ensuring smooth operation of the veterinary facilities and protection of the sites protected species and existing natural wildlife and flora ecology.   

Through architectural innovation and problem-solving, the proposal seeks to repurpose the large redundant farmhouse into cutting-edge offices with design principles focused on finding the optimum balance between preservation of the historical architectural character of the building and modern functionality incorporating energy efficient building fabric upgrades, installation of green energy sources, services, space standards and staff welfare requirements of modern office facilities.

Within the courtyard setting the non-original concrete blockwork additions were to be removed to reinstate the historical courtyard arrangement. Proposed building fabric restoration and upgrade to convert historic steadings along with the addition of a new build single storey extension to form the state-of-the-art specialist veterinary laboratory and clinical spaces with a design emphasizing functionality and adherence to modern veterinary standards. The modern agricultural sheds are to be upgraded and re-clad to provide improved natural light and ventilation as required for the safe welfare of domestic farm animals.

The layout and functionality of the proposed veterinary facilities require to align with stringent regulatory requirements, underpinning the importance of meticulous design and collaborative engagement with clients, consultants, stakeholders, statutory authorities, building users and animal care experts to achieve design compliance and successful architectural interventions.