Boghall House | Linlithgow
Homes | Conservation
Private Client
Reimagining a Historic Coal Store into a Modern Workspace.
In the heart of Linlithgow, Boghall House offered a unique opportunity: to transform a disused coal store into a contemporary home office and every-day entrance. The brief was simple yet challenging — create a space that feels modern, light-filled and functional, while respecting the character and history of the original stone building.
125Architects approached the project with a focus on subtlety and quality, designing an intervention that harmonises with the existing fabric rather than overpowering it. The result is a bespoke architectural solution that enhances both the home’s functionality and its aesthetic appeal.
A Sensitive Architectural Intervention.
The original coal store, with its robust stone walls, provided a strong foundation for the new design. Rather than demolishing or overhauling the existing structure, the team retained the historic fabric, inserting a new asymmetric hipped zinc roof above a glazed clerestory. This design allows natural light to filter into the office while maintaining privacy and keeping the historic walls as a prominent feature.
Quartz-zinc was selected for the roof, creating a contemporary contrast with the traditional stone. Inside, bespoke oak veneer joinery defines the space and adds warmth, including a secret door-bookcase that ensures the workspace remains discreet from the entrance. Every material choice was deliberate, with attention to quality, durability and a dialogue between old and new.
Existing home prior to refurbishment.
The traditional stone walls of the existing coal store were retained and adapted as part of the works.
Light, Materials and Spatial Experience.
One of the most striking aspects of the intervention is how it transforms a small footprint into a welcoming, light-filled workspace. A roof-light adjacent to the stone gable bathes the interior in natural light, highlighting the textures and warmth of the original masonry. Despite the modest size of the office — approximately 13 m² — the space feels open and generous thanks to the high vaulted asymmetric ceiling.
Bespoke oak joinery not only provides storage and functional division but also introduces a tactile, crafted quality to the interior. Local artisans were commissioned for the bespoke pieces, reinforcing a sense of place and craftsmanship. Every detail, from the junction of the roof to the integration of the clerestory glazing, was considered to ensure a seamless relationship between the new and existing structures.
Crafting a Cohesive Experience.
The intervention is as much about experience as it is about form. Approaching the home, visitors encounter a carefully considered sequence: the historic stone walls frame the entrance, the clerestory introduces light without revealing the office and the oak joinery subtly separates work and living spaces. For the client, the transformation creates a practical and inspiring home office, while visitors experience a sense of understated sophistication.
Through this thoughtful approach, the design balances heritage sensitivity with contemporary living. The coal store is no longer an ancillary space — it has been elevated into a key architectural feature of the home, where design and functionality converge.
Heritage, Context and Site Responsiveness.
Boghall House sits within a historic context in Linlithgow, and the design responds to this heritage with care. The decision to retain the stone walls, combined with a lightweight, modern roof demonstrates a respect for the past while providing a clear, contemporary intervention. The result is a home office and entrance that enhances the character of the property rather than dominating it.
This responsiveness to context extends to materials and detailing. Zinc, glass and oak are chosen for their durability and aesthetic complement to the stonework. The intervention’s modest scale ensures it feels integrated rather than intrusive, proving that even small-scale projects can have a significant architectural impact.
Why Boghall House Works.
Sensitive Insertion: The modern intervention respects the historic stonework while clearly signalling a contemporary approach.
Material Quality: Quartz-zinc roofing, glazing and bespoke oak joinery create a refined, lasting finish.
Spatial Delight: Clever use of height and light makes a modest space feel open, airy and inviting.
Craftsmanship: Local joinery and bespoke detailing reinforce a strong sense of quality and care.
Heritage Respect: The project enhances the original building, preserving its history while introducing modern functionality.
Impactful Small-Scale Architecture.
Boghall House demonstrates the power of thoughtful, small-scale architecture. While the project is modest in size, every element—from material selection to spatial planning—was carefully considered to maximise impact. The intervention turns a former coal store into a high-quality, functional home office that aligns with contemporary living while honouring Linlithgow’s architectural heritage.
For prospective clients, Boghall House illustrates how 125Architects approach each project with creativity, sensitivity and attention to detail. It is a testament to what can be achieved when design is tailored to the site, the brief and the client’s lifestyle. The project proves that even the smallest interventions, when handled with care, can transform a space and elevate the experience of home.
A secret bookcase door provides access to the new home office space.
Looking for an Architect for your Home Renovation or Heritage Project?
If you’re considering adapting a traditional or stone-built property, or need expert advice on creating contemporary spaces within a historic setting, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to discuss your ideas — from sensitive renovations to bespoke home offices and extensions, we design modern architecture that enhances the character of your home.