Birchbank Lodge - Slow-slung house
Elphin Scotland
Construction cost £600k

The previous conversion of a once crofters dwelling into a guest/bunkhouse or fishing lodge is the starting point for design. The low-slung building currently provides cramped accommodation with little made of natural daylight or views out across the mountainous landscape. Here, light intensity and colours change by the minute and, though the construction is solid and rooted to the site, no attempt has been made to expose the internal spaces to the elements. Rock and weather predominate, mountains and dark skys loom while bright skys and breezes blow fresh across the lochs and hillsides. The proposal addresses the sky and the view. Mountains and schists are used to inform the form. Slow change and interruptions of geological origin are used as generator for solidity and void, suggesting openings and movement. The dwelling is to provide 8 bedrooms, library, office, sauna, spa and living areas which encourage light and view in, while also being formed by that which is viewed. The surroundings are encouraged to start taking over the house, reclaiming the building for its own. Various features will remain intact, chosen elements and features which help form the character of the existing, informing the character of the new.