In the Highlands near Inverness, Scottish architecture studio Loader Monteith has rebuilt and extended a traditional farmhouse. Formerly a granite stone cottage that had fallen into disrepair, the building has been reconfigured as a three-bedroom family home overlooking the River Dulnain and its surrounding landscape.

The project replaces the original structure with a contemporary interpretation that draws on local materials and farmhouse vernacular, while responding to the site’s environmental conditions.

Site and context

The house sits on the outskirts of a village, adjacent to the River Dulnain, within an active floodplain. Its position required careful consideration of seasonal water levels and river behaviour. To mitigate flood risk, the building is raised on a plinth, establishing a clear threshold above the surrounding ground.

This elevated position allows the landscape to be approached gradually, with a patio stepping down towards the garden. Glazed sliding doors provide access to this outdoor space, reinforcing a direct relationship between the interior and its setting.

Form and material strategy

Dulnain is composed of two distinct volumes arranged as separate wings, connected by a circulation link. This division reflects both material character and programme.

One wing is defined by reused granite stone salvaged from the original farmhouse. The stone has been retooled and re-laid, forming a robust envelope that references the site’s agricultural past. This wing accommodates the more private functions of the house.

The second volume is clad in blackened larch, introducing a contemporary counterpoint to the stone. The timber cladding responds to the climate of northern Scotland, offering durability and weather resistance while distinguishing the new intervention from the retained fabric.

Plan and spatial organisation

The granite wing contains three bedrooms and a bathroom. Openings here are smaller, supporting privacy and thermal performance.

The timber-clad wing is oriented towards the wider landscape, with views across Dava Moor, an upland area in the Highlands. This volume houses the main living spaces, including the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Floor-to-ceiling glazing allows daylight and views to shape the internal experience.

Interior palette and finishes

Internally, the material palette is restrained and natural. Oak flooring runs through the living areas, while bathrooms are finished with neutral porcelain tiles. The kitchen combines pale blue surfaces with timber elements.

These finishes are intended to sit quietly alongside the landscape, allowing views and changing light conditions to remain a central focus within the home.

Environmental approach

The project’s carbon reduction strategy combines planning efficiency, material reuse, and building fabric performance. Sustainability informed both the rebuilding approach and the building systems, with existing stone reused to reduce material waste. The new construction incorporates high levels of insulation and triple-glazed windows. An air source heat pump provides space heating, supporting year-round energy efficiency and thermal comfort.