The Dyer House in Falkirk is an everyday exemplar of an environmentally-informed design which transcends the fundamental constraints of site, budget and planning restrictions to create a work of architecture that addresses a series of issues related to the retirement generation. These include the demands of physical downsizing whilst also being able to accommodate elderly parents, grown up children and grandchildren for certain times throughout the year; the desire to have a tangible connection to aspects of a past history and memory and particularly in this case, the need to adjust to sharing their house plot with a new occupier.

The resulting building transcends these constraints and uses a contemporary architectural language to enhance its physical context to create a series of quality internal and external spaces to suit a complex inter-generational and social criteria. In doing so, it displays lessons applicable for wider applications than the single family house.

The success of the design lies in the combination of fruitful relationships and imaginative ideas. Whilst this underpins all good architecture in our experience, the close engagement between the architect and the key parties bore particularly fruitful results. A close, trustful relationship between architect and client allowed open discussions about the clients’ deeply-held and personal values and aspirations to be aired and accomodated. By discussing three different design strategies with the planner at an early stage face to face, a dialogue was established which helped steer the design to the most fruitful architectural destination without the disruptive process of planning rejection, appeal and subsequent delay. Through an existing close relationship with the contractor and an ongoing body of experience together, innovative detailing was collaboratively developed. This found expression particularly in the reuse and formatting of recycled Iroko floorboards for the external cladding with a system which avoided the use of visible face-fixing and which made a significant contribution to the building’s appearance enhancing its surroundings .