The Mill is a minimalist house located in Biggar, England, designed by WT Architecture. The Mill sits amongst a collection of disused farm buildings that nestle into a steep hill over looking a valley in the Scottish Borders. Although near to towns, the location is remarkably remote with open views east and west up the valley. The brief was to convert the mill building to create a modern, rural holiday home that retained much of its historic character.

Spaces were to be simple, utilitarian and durable, with views framed in all directions. Bedrooms could be small but living space was to be maximized. Although open plan living was desirable, kitchen, dining and living spaces were to have their own identities. The mill’s distinctive long form emerging out of the hillside gives it a striking yet exposed position on the site and supported an architectural solution contained within the original walls. The original roof and floors were beyond repair, so a new insulated timber building was slotted within the existing structure.