£1.6m
235m2
Caledonian Properties, part of Derwent London
Ashwood Scotland Ltd
Galbraith Group
Hoskins / Coleman-Smith Architects
Narrow Associates
Glasgow and London
2025
- Engineering services design
- Sustainability
What began as a collection of disused farm buildings on the outskirts of Glasgow has been transformed into a modern Scottish office for Caledonian Properties, part of Derwent London. Working from the outset with a clear sustainability ambition, the project has turned an existing agricultural building into a highly efficient workplace while retaining its character, materials and connection to the working farm.
Located near Kirkintilloch, the 235m² office forms part of an active farm estate, with the adjoining farmhouse remaining occupied throughout the works. The brief was to create a permanent Scottish base for Caledonian Properties while demonstrating Derwent London’s commitment to sustainability. Rather than replacing the existing building, the design focused on making the most of what was already there, retaining the original structure and character while creating a contemporary workplace.
Appointed in 2021 to provide engineering services design and sustainability consultancy, the team worked collaboratively from the early stages to develop a fabric-first approach. Insulation, airtightness, ventilation and energy demand were carefully considered alongside the architectural design, with the aim of creating a building that performed to a genuinely high standard rather than simply meeting minimum requirements.
Integrating the building services into the existing barn presented some of the project’s biggest challenges. The client wanted the main office to remain open and uncluttered, while the high ceilings, sloping roof and limited space made concealing mechanical services difficult. Careful coordination allowed the ventilation, heating and electrical systems to be integrated without compromising the character of the space.
The ambitious airtightness target also created an unexpected challenge with the wood-burning stove. Providing sufficient combustion air naturally risked compromising the building’s airtightness, so a direct-air connection was incorporated beneath the floor to supply the stove from outside.
Completed in 2025, the project achieved an EPC A+ rating, exceeding the client’s original net-zero ambition. The highly insulated and airtight building, combined with renewable energy generation and low-energy engineering systems, provides a comfortable and efficient workplace.
Easter Cadder demonstrates how an overlooked existing building can be given a new purpose while retaining its character and connection to its surroundings. It is a strong example of how ambitious sustainability objectives can be achieved through thoughtful refurbishment, careful engineering and making the most of an existing building.
