Project: Cape CoveProject Type: Alterations, Renovations and ExtensionsYear: 2012Client: Alastair MorrisonArchitect: cameronwebster ArchitectsLocation: HELENSBURGHContext: Not SelectedSector: Not SelectedCost per Sqm: £1,400
An existing naval outlook post had been built during the second world war on this spectacular site, right at the water’s edge, with a view across Loch Long and straight down the Firth of Clyde, to monitor naval vessels on the Clyde Estuary. It had been converted into a small rather dull house some time previously, but this had not taken the opportunity that the site offered.
The clients, living and working in Glasgow, saw huge potential in the site, as a special holiday home for personal use as well as letting out purposes.
One of the opportunities they wanted to harness with the new house design was the impact of both summer & winter weather, and to create a vantage point for watching a storm or the occasional surfacing submarine.
As an existing building, the challenge was to adapt and reconfigure the entrance and circulation, allow south light to penetrate the plan and open up the view to the Loch.
By engaging with the context and immediate surroundings, the house opens up to an external teak deck allowing access to the private pebble beach and providing a partially covered barbeque deck and a hot tub, positioned to enjoy the unique and uninterrupted view down the loch.
The roof of the existing building has been retained for economy, but the spatial organisation of the plan has been completely reconfigured to create a large and sunny entrance hallway.
By reconsidering the approach and entry into the house, the circulation to the principal living area has been adjusted to allow the separation of the private rooms, and the big view from the main living area to be held and strengthened.
The original kitchen and dining were moved upstairs and extended with full height frameless glazing allowing an ever changing backdrop to a spacious living, dining and kitchen.
The house was always designed for the clients as a long term family home, which could be adapted to the growing needs of a family.
The material choices for the exterior were made in discussions with the client about maintenance issues and the exposed nature of the site. Rendered walls with zinc cladding at the larger glazed openings with smaller, timber framed windows to the rear.
Solar panels have been installed more recently.
Within a few paces of entering the eye is drawn down a short flight of steps into an open plan living space. What a window….what a view….spectacular and beautifully detailed. And this richness is carried throughout with decks and a patio at different levels expanding the confines of rooms and spaces, positioned to enjoy the powerful presence of the rock outcrop and the amenity of a small pebble beach.
This splendid adaptation rectifies the previous lost opportunity to fully exploit the qualities afforded by a wonderful site.