The director of Pend Architects is drawn to materials that age well, require minimal upkeep and feel honest in their setting
By Jamie Anderson
As architects with a deep interest in rural buildings and their architectural legacy, our approach at Pend is to work with, not against, these properties' unique characteristics.
Here, I share our approach to a rural project through the lens of Lawhead, a 19th-century farmhouse at the foot of the Pentland Hills, outside Edinburgh. This example highlights the principles we bring to restoring historic homes in remote settings. The process must be measured, phased and respectful -- balancing modern comfort and performance with a sensitivity to place, material and history.
Natural presence, inside and out
Rural properties often have a quiet strength. Lawhead's weathered stonework and slate roof create a material presence that feels anchored to the setting. We should begin by understanding the building as it stands. What is sound and original should be preserved, or even celebrated. What we add should be deliberate and honest. New elements must be designed to complement, not mimic, the old.
At Lawhead we would begin by considering light-, medium- and heavy-touch strategies. This would allow the work to be phased and prioritised according to budget and necessity. A light touch might involve cosmetic redecoration, repointing of masonry or minor repair. Medium touch could include upgrading the windows, insulating roof spaces or reconfiguring internal layouts. For windows we often choose 12mm-thick SlimLite double glazing, which is much slimmer than the standard 28mm. It helps retain a traditional look while improving energy performance.
A heavy touch might mean structural alterations, substantial thermal upgrades with a breathable, wood fibre insulation such as Steico, or introducing renewable technologies -- all major investments, but ones that significantly improve long-term performance and, crucially, the comfort of the spaces.
Simplifying the material library
A clear and consistent material palette helps bring cohesion to what can often be a series of ad hoc agricultural buildings. At Lawhead, the opportunity would be to unify these structures through a limited selection of high-quality materials -- retaining original stone where possible, and introducing natural timbers and stone floors in a modern but grounded way. Where feasible, we always advocate for materials that are native to the local area -- for example, there may be stone available from a nearby quarry that could be used. Failing that, a national supplier such as Mandarin Stone has a great selection of natural stone flooring. A dark tumbled limestone like its Agincourt Grey mimics the look of traditional flagstones and provides excellent durability for a boot room or hallway.
This approach is as practical as it is aesthetic. Traditional materials such as stone, lime mortar and clay plaster are breathable, helping older buildings move and age gracefully. Here, we might opt for a Demi-Rustic finish in a neutral colour palette from Clayworks to play to the imperfections of a rural building, and provide a patina to any undulating walls.
A thoughtful response to the setting
Rural restoration means working with the building within the context of its setting -- responding to the local climate, light, views and the shifting rhythms of the landscape through the seasons. It is also important to consider the wider environment. Where appropriate, we always encourage the use of renewable technologies such as air or ground source heat pumps, solar panels and improved insulation to floors, roofs and walls -- to boost performance in an environmentally conscious way. Renewables offer long-term benefits but must be introduced sensitively and in alignment with the project's phasing and budget.
Disciplined approach to materials
When working with historic buildings, our design philosophy is to add with intent. Whether it's a new kitchen, a bathroom or an extension, each decision is guided by longevity. We try to avoid mimicry and interventions are typically modern but calm, often made from warm-toned timbers or patinated metals, such as Nordic Copper, that complement the agricultural context. Nordic Brown particularly provides a pre-weathered appeal and can be profiled when used as exterior cladding to match the existing corrugated roofs of the barns at Lawhead. We're drawn to materials that age well, require minimal upkeep and feel honest in their setting.
Rationalise imperfections
No historic building is perfect. Floors slope. Walls wander. Openings may have been moved -- sometimes more than once. We see these quirks as part of the charm. Our role is to work with and rationalise them, not erase them, so that we add to the building's continuing story.
In practical terms, this might mean finding clever ways to work with differing floor levels between buildings, improving accessibility or simply working with the existing grain of the building rather than fighting it. Imperfection is what gives historic restorations their richness, and that authenticity is more valuable than uniformity.
Spatial connectivity
Farmsteads often evolve organically as a collection of parts. A successful restoration connects these fragments, while maintaining their individuality. Glazed links, reworked thresholds and improved permeability between indoor and outdoor spaces can transform a disconnected cluster into a working home.
At Lawhead, this could mean connecting the barns to the main house or reimagining the steading as a guest wing or yoga studio. These are opportunities to create spatial richness -- rooms that shift from dark to light, open to enclosed, old to new -- without over-designing.
Restoration is not about reverting a property to a fixed moment in time, but rather giving it a joyful and resilient future. At Pend, we see properties like Lawhead not as problems to be solved, but as narratives to be continued -- with care, rigour and respect for both heritage and innovation.
Photography: Stephen Lister; Savills; Lorenzo Zandri; Joshua Redhead/SlimLite; Nordic Brown (C) Aurubis Finland