Case Study: Heron Farm Shop

The Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen is a family run business on the outskirts of Strathaven, South Lanarkshire.

The Clients

We first got involved with Emma and Angus in 2011 when we were commissioned to design and oversee the build of their own remote farmhouse on the outskirts of Strathaven. The Heron Farm Shop now sits within the grounds of their estate.

The Brief

When Emma and Angus first approached Block Architects to assist with the project they had already sourced an Oak Frame manufacturer who had assisted with a preliminary design for the building. The primary purpose of the building was a Farm Shop sales area Café with associated Kitchen and Staff Areas. At approximately 350sq.m the building clad in Larch timber was to be a warm attractive modern outlet where local produce and good quality food would bring both locals and visitors from near and afar to purchase good quality produce. The building was to become a venue, a stopping-off place where many local cyclists could also participate in good chat and wholesome food. Robust oak frames with a double volume space were to make the building light and airy from the inside with a nostalgic reference back to ‘old’ farm buildings.

Our Solutions

In adopting the brief and the original preliminary design the team at block architects initially reviewed the proposals with a view to flipping the building such that the entrance properly addressed the front car park area. This then allowed a more private outdoor dining area to the rear all under a covered canopy. Large picture windows were then placed in the elevations to allow the inside of the building to talk to the outside breaking up the larger scale facades. The 3 roofscapes reference back to former farm barn buildings where co-joined barns form part of the farmyard appeal and certainly enhance the feeling of being in the countryside.

Block Architects assisted with Planning Permissions, Building Warrants, Tender and Construction Information, and Site Supervision during the build process.

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