The ReFrame Residency by Jahnavi Jayashankar is a heritage adaptive reuse architecture project that reimagines a neglected farm building in remote Scotland.
The project combines regenerative design, local resources, seasonal thinking and residency use. Rather than replacing the building, it asks how the existing fabric can gain a longer, more active life.
Project focus
The proposal works with the memory and structure of a farm building, but gives it a contemporary programme. The residency use creates a reason for people to gather, make, stay and reinterpret the site.
Design ideas to notice
- The project extends the lifespan of an existing building rather than defaulting to demolition.
- Local identity and agricultural heritage shape the design language.
- Regenerative design is treated as a site-specific method, not a checklist.
- The residency programme gives the old building a new social and cultural role.
Portfolio lesson from this project
Heritage reuse work needs careful editing. Show what is retained, what is repaired, what is added and how the new use makes sense for the place.
Showcase a heritage reuse project
If your project works with an existing building, make the relationship between old fabric and new use easy to follow.
- Show the existing condition clearly.
- Explain what is repaired, adapted or added.
- Connect the new programme to the site’s memory and future use.
Next step
Explore more project work in the Architecture Social Projects directory, or submit your own project for the showcase.
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