The Black House
Client
Private Client
Location
Gattonside, Scottish Borders
Sector
Living
The Challenge
At the core of this project was a deeply personal brief: to create a home that could evolve alongside the changing needs of the owners young family. From our earliest conversations, it was clear this was about more than just a building—it was about shaping a lifestyle. The challenge lay in creating a home that balanced the demands of busy professional lives with the comforts of family living, all within the sensitive setting of a Conservation Area.
Planning presented its own hurdles. The journey through approvals involved navigating multiple setbacks and objections, requiring strategic revisions to secure the necessary permissions. Achieving a home of this scale and ambition, while respecting the character of the local environment, demanded persistence, careful negotiation, and a design approach grounded in sensitivity to both context and the client’s aspirations.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Our Approach
From day one, we placed the client relationship at the heart of the design process. By fully understanding the clients priorities—especially the need for clear separation between work and family life—we crafted a tailored response that guided every stage of the project. Our approach was rooted in open communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.
We refined the massing and layout to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding village context, ensuring no loss of privacy or daylight to neighbouring properties. A simple, restrained material palette, inspired by both the architectural heritage of the area and modernist references like Peter Womersley, was chosen to ensure the home felt timeless, sustainable, and inherently connected to its setting.
Minimalism guided the design language—floor-to-ceiling glazing with concealed profiles enhances openness and light, while integrated electric blinds ensure privacy without compromising aesthetics. Internally, every detail was considered: from recessed skirting and door frames to the monolithic precast concrete stair, each element contributes to a cohesive, understated elegance.
3500
Sq Ft
1
No Units
2
Floor Levels
The Conclusion
The result is a carefully considered 290 sqm home that embodies simplicity, function, and lasting quality. Approved through a Local Review Body for its appropriate scale, form, and materiality, the house stands as a respectful yet contemporary addition to the Conservation Area.
The polished concrete floors on the ground level provide both practical durability and rich visual texture, while the raw concrete staircase forms a striking sculptural centrepiece. The minimal detailing throughout offers a calm, flexible backdrop for daily family life and future growth.
By placing the client journey at the centre of the process, we were able to create a home that supports the families work-life balance, enhances their day-to-day experience, and respects the unique character of its setting. The outcome is a timeless family home that quietly celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and a strong sense of place.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
Fraser Hunter
Associate & Studio Lead - Galashiels
Fraser combines over 15 years of experience with a calm, organised approach as Galashiels Studio Resource Manager at Aitken Turnbull. With a background across bespoke housing, private developments, and commercial projects, he brings practical know-how and a clear focus on delivering work efficiently and to a high standard. Central to coordinating project workflows and managing team resources, Fraser helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. He also supports the wider success of the practice, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to brief. With his approachable, steady style, Fraser plays a key part in creating a well-structured and supportive working environment.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
Alasdair Rankin
Managing Director
Alasdair leads Aitken Turnbull as Managing Director, guiding the strategic vision and steering the senior management team with clear purpose. With extensive experience as a project and framework director across diverse sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the practice. His passion lies in Healthcare and Major Projects, where he excels in shaping strategic briefs and fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement. Alasdair’s thoughtful leadership ensures that every project aligns with both client goals and community needs, driving the continued growth and success of Aitken Turnbull.
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