March 27 2023

A long-abandoned toilet block used by the women's auxiliary air force in World War II is to become a modern family home under plans submitted by Sonia Browse Architects with APT planning & development.

The corner plot will help reconnect the former Drem Airfield to the rural settlement of Fenton Newmains, East Lothian, by extending an established row of cottages - of which rear steadings have already been converted to residential use.

In a planning statement, the architects noted: "... we propose to create a sustainable, high-quality, distinctive and contemporary family home which draws character and inspiration from the adjacent steadings, cottages and landscape in the settlement of Fenton Newmains. The proposals have been designed to be sensitive to, and respectful of, the neighbouring context and improve the reading of the place through the careful development of this abandoned corner plot."

A canopy of mature trees along Calderside Road obscures the building, which features an elevated gable that looks out across fields to the southeast. A corten steel folded pitch roof pays homage to the terracotta roofs of its neighbours while a painted steel collonade draws inspiration from the adjacent steading.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by graeme mccormick on 27 Mar 2023 at 12:33 PM

charming!

#2 Posted by The Heart of Saturday Night on 27 Mar 2023 at 13:22 PM

Lovely set of drawings that.

#3 Posted by FHM on 27 Mar 2023 at 14:43 PM

According to the planning portal, this application was withdrawn at the end of January.

#4 Posted by John Glenday on 27 Mar 2023 at 15:59 PM

Here is a direct link to the March submission. Copied above
https://pa.eastlothian.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=RQW9T6GNH4Z00

#5 Posted by George Buchanan on 28 Mar 2023 at 12:16 PM

Stunning!
What a beautiful package of drawings too!

#6 Posted by William Fulton on 31 Mar 2023 at 14:15 PM

It may look charming from that viewpoint, but believe me, it is not charming from my back garden. It looks like an industrial shed. Some of those 'beautiful' drawings are derived from photos with well known Photoshop filters. They even include my car converted to 'artwork'!!

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