A main residence for a single person but with a spare room for guests. A retreat to come back to and relax in the Scottish Highlands when returning from working for the UN in often stressful environments.
Diabeg occupies a site that's steeped in history. Until 1912, a crofthouse stood on the premises, until the ravages of time saw one end either dismantled or crumbled. The remaining structure, a patchwork of stone and corrugated iron, served a humble purpose as a shelter for sheep. Dualchas Architects, however, saw potential in the ruin and embarked on an ambitious project to craft a modern dwelling imbued with echoes of the past.
What where the key challenges, what materials did you choose and why?
Challenge was to be respectful to the site and wider community as there was an old ruin there that had a story and a connection to the place that we wished to preserve. Timber was chosen as it weathers to a recessive grey colour that blends into the environment. Stone was retained and Corten-effect corrugated aluminium was chosen as a response to the rusted metal roof of the old stone cottage.
The new design proposes a two-bedroom residence that's divided into two distinct wings, each serving a unique purpose. One wing is intended to house the master bedroom, while the other encompasses the primary living spaces and an additional bedroom. Connecting these two wings is a frameless glass link, a contemporary design element that ensures both wings are independent yet harmoniously integrated. The architects have meticulously planned to either restore the existing stonework or deconstruct it to rebuild, depending on which option proves the most economical. The deteriorating rusted metal roof of the old structure is set to be replaced with a new corrugated steel corton roof, a choice inspired by the desire to reflect the original color and texture.
The living wing of Diabeg offers a mirror image of the existing ruin's section. However, a slight offset has been implemented to ensure each wing can be independently appreciated. The living wing, planned to be clad in untreated larch rainscreen for both the walls and roof, promises a muted tone that contrasts sharply with the light stone and rusty red roof of the ruin. The use of frameless glass to link the two wings provides an interesting architectural element. It accentuates the division between the two structures while permitting the house to appear as two discrete gabled forms. The juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary design elements instills a sense of character that is undeniably unique to Diabeg.
Team:
Architects: Dualchas Architects
Photo credits: Richard Gaston
Materials Used:
Facade cladding: "Corten" colour 13.5/3 Sinusoidal – Aluminium from Euroclad
Stone is stone on site from existing cottage.Flooring: Concrete screed from S1 Floors (sub-division of Simpson Builders).
Doors: Rationel from ADW
Windows: Rationel from ADW
