The Haining House

Lee Boyd has been working with the Haining Trust since 2009. The external refurbishment of the house is a project supported by HES and other funders and includes a complete overhaul of the stone facades, roof and window repairs and a new cupola over the central stair.

In 1819 the house was remodelled in a Palladian style with a clad veneer of sandstone and classical detailing. The owners at the time ran out of funds and only the front and rear elevations were transformed. The intended flanking classical wings were never built. This stone veneer is of poor quality design, material and execution and 100 years later is having to be removed before it starts falling off. The design proposal developed in consultation with HES, Scottish Borders Council, conservation architects, specialists and LTM, the project’s main contractor, is to replace the stone and the removed classical detailing with hot lime plaster. Although historically a common building material, hot lime (non hydraulic) has not been so prevalent in the last 50 years but is experiencing a revival as conservationists realise the practical, environmental and material benefits.

Once the lime plaster work is complete, the building will receive a protective coating of lime wash. These changes and processes will undoubtably alter the appearance of the building, but they are seen as positive to the sustainability and enjoyment of the house. This external transformation will be followed by an internal refurbishment that together will help the Haining to become an important public facility in Selkirkshire and beyond.

Lee Boyd are working with Ed Eastham of Taft Architects on the conservation aspects of this project.