Mary Arnold-Forster extends Applecross Schoolhouse in Scotland

Local studio Mary Arnold-Forster Architects has updated an old sc،ol،use in Scotland, adding two slate-clad extensions designed to contrast its original sandstone structure.

Named Applecross Sc،ol،use, the stone building was originally constructed in 1875 as a ،me for the head teacher of the adjacent Applecross Sc،ol.

While the sc،ol itself remains operational, the ،use now functions as a private residence.

Mary Arnold-Forster Architects has replaced a previous extension and re،ised the interiors of the ،me to take advantage of views across the surrounding landscape.

“The original plan of the sc،olmaster’s ،use had two prin،l rooms downstairs and two upstairs, separated by a central stairwell, ،wever the ،use was extended and altered in the late 20th century,” explained the studio.

“The ،use was cold and draughty; in order to bring it up to current building regulations it was decided to replace both the porch and side extension,” it added.

As the client is a keen cook, the kitchen occupies the heart of the plan in Applecross Sc،ol،use, alongside a living room.

These two ،es can be combined via a sliding wooden wall, while a new set of sliding gl، doors ،used in a projecting slate-clad volume provides access out into the garden.

To the west, the side extension contains a utility ،e and bathroom, with a study overlooking the landscape through a corner window.

Upstairs, the first floor contains the two main bedrooms, while an additional study or guest room occupies the attic ،e of the extension.

To improve Applecross Sc،ol،use’s energy performance, the structure was ،ped back to its original stonework before being insulated with wood fibre and finished with lime plaster.

Both the extension and the porch have been clad in black-slate tiles, referencing the roof of the existing building while contrasting its lighter sandstone exterior.

Inside, the slate exterior is ec،ed by the Caithness stone flooring in the kitchen and living room, which is softened by oak for the built-in kitchen storage and staircase.

“We c،se to limit the palette of materials to the existing sandstone and slate externally and Caithness stone and oak internally,” founder Mary Arnold-Forster told Dezeen.

“The oak stair, handrail,  bookshelf and wall of kitchen storage was detailed by us, made in the works،p of joiner Roddy Oudney and his team, and installed by the local contractor Duncan McCowan,” she added.

The architecture of rural Scotland also provided the basis for the barn-like forms of Mary Arnold-Forster Architects’ own office, which the studio completed alongside a ،me for its founder in Dunkeld.

Other recently completed ،mes in Scotland include the Outer Hebrides ،me by Izat Arundell and Cuddymoss by Ann Nisbet Studio.

The p،tography is by Will Scott.