Design-Led Development in a Rural Setting

Second phase at Wester Woodside Farm proposes four new sustainable homes

Following the success of the initial transformation of Wester Woodside Farm — a formerly derelict steading now home to a collection of five thoughtfully designed family dwellings — we are pleased to introduce the second phase of this rural development vision.

Located just outside the historic village of Torphichen, this next chapter will see the regeneration of the eastern portion of the former steading. The current proposals will replace a redundant agricultural shed and silage pit with four new detached homes, bringing new life to what is now a visually and environmentally degraded site.

Each new home has been carefully designed to complement the architecture and layout of the completed west steading, taking cues from the surrounding landscape and traditional rural building forms. The proposed layout adopts a familiar courtyard approach, echoing the agricultural heritage of the site while allowing for generous gardens, open space, and privacy.

Externally, the homes will feature a palette of natural stone, off-white roughcast, and slate, softened with modern grey cladding and anthracite-framed windows — materials selected to blend seamlessly with both the earlier phase and the broader rural character. Internally, the designs focus on volume, natural light, and flexibility for modern family life, with features such as five-bedroom layouts, open-plan living spaces, and integrated garages.

Crucially, the project also aims to enhance biodiversity and sustainability. The former brownfield site — which includes contaminated asbestos-roofed structures — will be cleared and repurposed, with new landscaping including tree and hedgerow planting, wildflower meadows, and a private treatment plant designed to modern environmental standards. These enhancements reflect our commitment to environmentally responsible development that actively improves the setting.

To explore the proposal in more detail, you can view our animated site video via the following link: https://youtu.be/mcoOXsSY4G0?si=JqW0tkODcRK1uGdV

This second phase continues our practice’s dedication to sensitive rural regeneration — turning underused and unsightly spaces into high-quality homes that honour the past while embracing the needs of contemporary living.