enquire today
Do you have a specific project idea that you've been thinking about? Feel free to reach out to us today, and we can initiate a conversation on how our services can assist you in bringing your vision to life.
Enquire nowScottish Island Cottages Redevelopment
Scottish Island Cottages Redevelopment
Scottish Island Cottages Redevelopment
the project
This is an exciting project to renew four properties in a former crofting settlement on a west coast Scottish island. The site has two existing traditional-style modern houses plus a collection of ruined crofting cottages. The project proposes to redevelop these ruins into four aesthetically appropriate cottages fit for comfortable 21st-century living.
We have considerable experience working on Scottish islands, and understand the challenges that arise from remote locations. We always find working on these projects hugely stimulating.
The project will allow more people to enjoy this beautiful Scottish island location, and ensure that there is a stronger future and community in this area.
How we worked
Due to the advanced ruin of the existing structures, it is not viable to retain them. Instead, renewal by way of demolition and reconstruction is required. The houses to be built will honour and preserve the characteristics and patterns of the settlement, and reflect the traditional style of the two modern dwellings there already, so that the whole remains cohesive.
This will be achieved by ensuring that the scale, form, and design of the new cottages are in-keeping with the site and the wider architectural vernacular of the island, as part of a sensitive redevelopment in a National Scenic Area and Countryside Zone.
All four buildings will be finished with traditional white rendered walls, natural stone-clad porches, and appealing red corrugated metal rooves. These are an appropriate palette of materials traditionally found on the island. The roofing is inspired by the remnants of red metal roofs that, although collapsed, can still be seen on the ruined cottages now.
The plans will also make the best of fantastic sea views from the site, with some minor repositioning, ensuring the cottages are in sheltered positions with good access.
Construction methods will utilise the most current standards of insulation and energy-efficient design, including heat-pump technology. Waste will be reduced through the salvage and re-use of materials on site. High standards will prevail, as with all our projects, and the houses will have excellent levels of insulation and robust detailing.
Buildings 1, 2, and 4 will be three-bedroom properties based on the same house-type design with slight variations to suite the individual plots. Each will offer a combined kitchen and dining area and a separate lounge.
Building 3 will be a two-bedroom single-storey property that takes design inspiration from the existing ruin, with a central living space and two ensuite bedrooms to either side. This house will maximise the benefit of its position, offering a panoramic sea view. Large contemporary windows will fully capture this aspect, with smaller traditional windows to the other side.
Success of the project
We fully understand the client’s desire for a modern development that respects and retains key elements of the site and island’s built heritage, such as layout and materiality. We are certain this aim will be fully met. The result will be a far more successful small community of attractive dwellings suitable for living and holidaying in this idyllic west coast island location.
