The remodelling and extension of the Shieling, a Victorian villa in an extraordinary setting; a stone cottage perched between the Crinan Canal and the sea.

Within the house our client was keen to create an open-plan living, kitchen and dining space that maximised the expansive views to the sea and sky. To achieve this several internal walls and a significant portion of the gable wall were removed and a new extension added. The addition is contemporary but is made permissible to the planning authority by echoing the pitch of the existing roofline, and wrapping walls and roof in staggered panels of dark grey zinc that complement the slate roof of the villa. Tall glazed panels are supported by slim vertical fins to bring daylight deep into the living spaces and provide spectacular views down the loch to Arran.

The rest of the original house was in poor condition and required extensive renovation and repair throughout.