Project: House at BoreraigProject Type: IndividualYear: 2012Client: Dominic HoulderArchitect: Dualchas ArchitectsLocation: Boreraig, Duirinish, Isle of SkyeContext: RuralSector: PrivateCost Per Sqm: £1923
Our client wanted a tranquil space where he could view the extraordinary landscape, but also feel secure from the often ferocious weather. He wanted the buildings to be modern, but have a continuity with the past – to have a connection to the traditional dwellings of the area, and to use materials which alowed it to be low impact – to be part of the topography. Internally, he wanted refined detailing and limited materials – timber and stone were used: oak-faced ply panels and Caithness stone laid out on a 600mm grid.
The site is exposed, and had a large bowl of scrubland to the front which was not particularly attractive, despite the wider views to the Outer isles and the Cuillins of Skye. It was decided to damn the outflows from the bowl so that a lochan was created. This brought water much closer to the proposed location of the house, transforming the context. External materials were chosen so that the building would blend in with the materials of the surroundings. Metal gates and fence wire, larch fence posts, stone walls were the inspiration.
The intention was make the house unobtrusive in the landscape, to give the client privacy but allow him to enjoy the views. Firstly, the building was broken up in to three elements – the main living spaces, the bedroom and entrance wing, and a studio. This meant the spans could be narrow and the roofs low.
An external stone wall demarcates the access and parking, which is public, before entering in to a private space. A wall of the external studio also conceals the air source heat pump and the bins – clutter is concealed – simplicity is sought, inside and out.
It is the view of Dualchas that true sustainability comes from designing buildings that future generations will cherish – by designing with a continuity with the past, and trying to make the building beautiful, this is more likely – and less likely it will be demolished. Larch has been used externally, along with locally sourced stone. Internally, Caithness stone and timber has been used predominantly. The building has high insulation values and is carefully sealed with a breathable membrane to prevent heat loss. An air source heat pump with underfloor heating set in a screed under the Caithness stone heats the building. External shutters close off the building to the worst of the storms.
A grouping of three timber clad elements is surrounded by a stone dyke which seems to hold them in a tight embrace making them somehow special. Every detail is beautifully considered and expressed and on rolling back the storm shutters the interior comes alive with light, volume, views and the warmth of rich timber panelling.
This is a refined and finely tuned example of domestic architecture where an exacting degree of attention has been paid to all areas of the project.