Equine House by Loader Monteith: Contemporary Countryside Living in South Lanarkshire

Loader Monteith’s Equine House is a striking contemporary residence set in the Scottish countryside, designed for an active family with a thriving horse livery business. The home features black-stained larch cladding and extruded aluminum window frames, seamlessly combining rural charm with modern architectural precision.

Occupying part of a retired, subdivided dairy farm, the 155 m² home was carefully reimagined from a previously approved plan. The clients initially lived on-site in a static caravan while establishing their equestrian operations. In 2018, Loader Monteith was commissioned to create a practical and social family home that complements the working farm. The architects reduced the footprint, crafting a compact, efficient two-story layout that includes four bedrooms, a snug, and an open-plan kitchen and living space.

Large east-facing windows frame panoramic views across the 25-acre South Lanarkshire farm, drawing the landscape into the home. A standout feature is the triple-glazed window seat with a bold red aluminum frame, angled to optimize natural light and skyward views, while connecting visually to the covered outdoor terrace on the second floor.

The second story houses bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a quiet undercover patio oriented to capture morning sunlight. Frameless glass balustrades maintain uninterrupted views while providing privacy from six nearby residences. Strategic window placement ensures natural light in circulation spaces without compromising seclusion.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the design. The Equine House incorporates an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, a highly insulated building envelope, and triple glazing. Exteriors are clad in sustainably farmed black larch and white render, finished with a recycled aluminum roof, reflecting Loader Monteith’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally conscious architecture.

All Photographs are works of Dapple Photography