McGinlay Bell Architects have designed a new build four bed home within a secluded suburban road in Bearsden. The plot was previously a domestic tennis court with mature pine trees around its perimeter.

The concept for the house was of an open plan pavilion wrapped around a two storey brick accommodation block, the single storey pavilion is carved into with a series of external courtyards, these help to define each zone and allow the natural surroundings to interact with the interior space.

The Client, a young professional couple, wanted a contemporary and well crafted, four bedroom dwelling with open plan living spaces that would cater for different functions of daily life as well as providing a suitable backdrop for entertaining friends and family.

Located at the entrance of the house, are the quiet spaces, the family snug, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a staircase up to the master bedroom suite. From this cluster of mainly insular spaces, you are led past the first open courtyard, which is looked out on to by the snug, towards the entertaining spaces which open up to the rear of the house. The large kitchen/dining space is open on three sides to 3 different external courtyards and is flooded with light, this then connects through to the living room which is open on two sides to the courtyards and with views out to the mature pine trees.

These open courtyards allow the spaces to be adaptable with the full height sliding doors opening up to allow the external spaces to be used as an extension of the interior for larger family gatherings during the summer. They give the spaces a greater sense of openness and exploit the views and nature around them, they also allow for different lighting conditions throughout the day which provide further character to the spaces.

These adaptable volumes take reference from Mid-century American Case Study Houses, where lightweight glazed structures open out on to the external space with views of the landscape for entertaining and relaxed family living.

Specially designed curtains are provided to allow the occupant to manage light levels throughout the different seasons as natural light changes. They also provide a degree of flexibility offering screening and privacy of spaces when required.

Bespoke walnut screens and furniture provide the internal spaces with a sense of warmth and atmosphere whilst also offering ample storage and the concealment of servicing. Some of these screens can slide open to reveal discrete bookshelves, home entertainment and a cocktail bar depending on their particular use. It is through one of these family of screens, that the client and their family can retire to the private bedrooms offering a sense of seclusion and privacy for sleeping and bathing.

Each piece of the bespoke walnut furniture is designed with its use and the the client's daily requirements in mind, such as vanity units, a master- closet and office desks.

McGinlay Bell use materials as decoration throughout the spaces rather than introducing additional ornamentation, the wood grain of the walnut is complemented throughout by a palette of simple, high quality materials including polished concrete floors and micro-cement plaster.