Tunnag
Nairn
2023
The Brief
We were excited to take on a project for a young family looking to breathe new life into a traditional stone ‘Butt and Ben’ cottage nestled in the Highlands.
They wanted a home that was warm and solid, with a unique character that could grow with them over the years. The aim was to retain the charm of the original cottage while adding a contemporary Scottish extension.
The Design
The family wanted a cosy, open-plan living, kitchen and dining area at the heart of the home as well as a welcoming porch, home office and quiet nooks for reading and reflection.
The project was designed to be constructed in phases, starting with the renovation of the cottage itself. The proposal allows for the first phase to stand on its own to begin with, offering all the essentials of a modern home.
The client is a talented craftsman and had recently sourced 75 tonnes of storm-felled Douglas fir, which is to be used for everything from the exposed roof structure to custom cabinetry. We chose other materials that complement the wood, specifying natural options where possible like slate and lime render. Our goal was to create warm and inviting spaces, full of textures and colours reminiscent of an autumnal Scottish landscape.
The extension was designed to ensure that every new space, along with the existing cottage, takes in the views to the South. We also made sure to create outdoor areas that are sheltered from the winds and orientated to catch the summer sunsets.
The glazing is thoughtfully placed and sized to make the most of those views while keeping the house well-insulated and comfortable, avoiding overheating from solar gain.
We’re delighted to share that we received full planning permission in late 2023.
