Letter from Scotland

Architect: Dualchas Building Design
Project: Clashnessie House, Sutherland, Highlands

This tiny black corrugated house was designed as a bolthole in an area of wild Highland beauty for two London-based urbanites. The simple black shed idea came not only as a response to the tiny budget but also establishes a formal relationship with the various clusters of small agricultural buildings set into the surrounding rocky landscape. The main southerly and western rocky views are variously framed through glazed elements in the main living/kitchen/dining area, whereas the east view to the beach is best seen from the upstairs library area. The restrained aesthetic chimes with the clients’ desire for a quiet place of contemplation as well fulfilling their simple original request for a base ‘camp’ from which to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Images: Sam Garwood