Biomorphis carried out a sensitive renovation of a listed building in Tyninghame, the Old Ale & Porter House , an early 18th-century cottage adjoined to a mid-18th-century two-storey house.
The combined building forms a Category C Listed property within the Tyninghame Conservation Area.
Over time, alterations had merged the two structures into a single dwelling with modified openings and compromised internal flow. The project focused on reorganising the interior. It improved everyday living, also carefully expanding usable space while respecting the historic fabric of the house.
Biomorphis undertook a sensitive internal transformation to adapt the house for contemporary living while respecting its historic character and protected status.
Heritage Context
Working within a listed building and conservation area requires a careful and informed approach. The project focused entirely on internal alterations. It allows the external character of the building to remain intact while unlocking its hidden spatial potential.
Every intervention responded to the building’s age, construction, and listing constraints, ensuring that new elements sat comfortably alongside the historic fabric.
Design Strategy
The design reimagines the internal organisation of the house to create generous living spaces suited to modern family life. Key interventions include:
- The conversion of existing attic space to form two bedrooms and two bathrooms
- The introduction of a new stair to improve circulation and spatial clarity
- Internal structural alterations to create an open living and kitchen area
- Carefully positioned roof lights to bring natural light deep into the plan
Rather than imposing a new identity, the design works with the building’s proportions and structure to enhance its everyday use.
Attic Conversion & Internal Transformation
By converting the attic, the project adds valuable accommodation without extending the building footprint or altering its external appearance. The new rooms sit quietly within the roof volume, supported by subtle detailing.
On the main level, opening up the living and kitchen spaces creates a more fluid and sociable heart to the home.
Outcome
The transformation of the Old Ale & Porter House demonstrates how thoughtful design can extend the life and relevance of a historic building. The project preserves the architectural integrity of a listed property while delivering bright, functional spaces tailored to modern living.
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