camustianavaig

location: Camustianavaig, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 145m2

schedule: 2010

architects: Alan Dickson, Andy Brown

images - copyright Rural Design

The two houses at Camustianavaig are sited on a former camping site near Portree on the Isle of Skye, the site has previously been terraced in to flat platforms. The new house works with the “new” topography and beds itself into the step with upper and lower levels. The site is bounded on three sides by mature trees with views to Raasay to the south west.

The dwelling is a simple volume sitting on a random rubble plinth, the scale appear relatively minimal to the public road, however opens up to the view to the private side of the house. The upper level on the third floor is cantilevered over the lower level to maximize the benefit of sunlight & views, and opens onto a south facing roof terrace.

The proposal has been designed for a local developer, and will be marketed shortly.

skinidin

location: Skinidin, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 75m2

schedule: completed 2008

contractor: Mackenzie Building

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Blair Hunter, Marnie Macdonald, Nick Richardson

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small house takes inspiration from the agricultural buildings that are a common feature of the rural landscape. Timber clad with a corrugated roof, the industrial aesthetic follows through to the inside with a polished concrete floor, exposed structure and sawn timber linings on the walls and ceilings.

skinidin

location: Skinidin, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 75m2

schedule: completed 2008

contractor: Mackenzie Building

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Blair Hunter, Marnie Macdonald, Nick Richardson

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small house takes inspiration from the agricultural buildings that are a common feature of the rural landscape. Timber clad with a corrugated roof, the industrial aesthetic follows through to the inside with a polished concrete floor, exposed structure and sawn timber linings on the walls and ceilings.

skinidin

location: Skinidin, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 75m2

schedule: completed 2008

contractor: Mackenzie Building

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Blair Hunter, Marnie Macdonald, Nick Richardson

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small house takes inspiration from the agricultural buildings that are a common feature of the rural landscape. Timber clad with a corrugated roof, the industrial aesthetic follows through to the inside with a polished concrete floor, exposed structure and sawn timber linings on the walls and ceilings.

skinidin

location: Skinidin, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 75m2

schedule: completed 2008

contractor: Mackenzie Building

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Blair Hunter, Marnie Macdonald, Nick Richardson

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small house takes inspiration from the agricultural buildings that are a common feature of the rural landscape. Timber clad with a corrugated roof, the industrial aesthetic follows through to the inside with a polished concrete floor, exposed structure and sawn timber linings on the walls and ceilings.

lochbay

location: Lochbay, Waternish, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 175m2

schedule: completed 2009

contractor: Mackenzie Building

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

photography - copyright Rural Design

An interesting “upside down” house with the living accommodation upstairs and most bedrooms on the ground floor. This arrangement allows us to make the most of the views over the Minch towards Harris and North Uist.

fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Portnalong, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 70m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Ian Grant

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small holiday house, located in the township of Fiscavaig on the western side of the Isle of Skye, deliberately eschews convention due to its unusual site. Indeed on first visiting the site it was difficult to see how any proposal could succeed if it disrupted a landscape that did not lend itself to intervention.

The decision to lift the building off the ground on small piloti released the design from convention and allowed it to relate to the wider context - the views to the north and the sun from the south. The form of the house deliberately narrows to the north, reducing its surface area, and leans into the weather.

The entrance bridge lifts one off the landscape and immediately upon entering one is connected with the view through the fully-glazed elevation to the north. The other windows are secondary and draw light into the two storey volume.

Simple timber construction reinforces the character of the house as a visitor in the ancient landscape.

fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Portnalong, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 70m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Ian Grant

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small holiday house, located in the township of Fiscavaig on the western side of the Isle of Skye, deliberately eschews convention due to its unusual site. Indeed on first visiting the site it was difficult to see how any proposal could succeed if it disrupted a landscape that did not lend itself to intervention.

The decision to lift the building off the ground on small piloti released the design from convention and allowed it to relate to the wider context - the views to the north and the sun from the south. The form of the house deliberately narrows to the north, reducing its surface area, and leans into the weather.

The entrance bridge lifts one off the landscape and immediately upon entering one is connected with the view through the fully-glazed elevation to the north. The other windows are secondary and draw light into the two storey volume.

Simple timber construction reinforces the character of the house as a visitor in the ancient landscape.

fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Portnalong, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 70m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Ian Grant

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small holiday house, located in the township of Fiscavaig on the western side of the Isle of Skye, deliberately eschews convention due to its unusual site. Indeed on first visiting the site it was difficult to see how any proposal could succeed if it disrupted a landscape that did not lend itself to intervention.

The decision to lift the building off the ground on small piloti released the design from convention and allowed it to relate to the wider context - the views to the north and the sun from the south. The form of the house deliberately narrows to the north, reducing its surface area, and leans into the weather.

The entrance bridge lifts one off the landscape and immediately upon entering one is connected with the view through the fully-glazed elevation to the north. The other windows are secondary and draw light into the two storey volume.

Simple timber construction reinforces the character of the house as a visitor in the ancient landscape.

fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Portnalong, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 70m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Ian Grant

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small holiday house, located in the township of Fiscavaig on the western side of the Isle of Skye, deliberately eschews convention due to its unusual site. Indeed on first visiting the site it was difficult to see how any proposal could succeed if it disrupted a landscape that did not lend itself to intervention.

The decision to lift the building off the ground on small piloti released the design from convention and allowed it to relate to the wider context - the views to the north and the sun from the south. The form of the house deliberately narrows to the north, reducing its surface area, and leans into the weather.

The entrance bridge lifts one off the landscape and immediately upon entering one is connected with the view through the fully-glazed elevation to the north. The other windows are secondary and draw light into the two storey volume.

Simple timber construction reinforces the character of the house as a visitor in the ancient landscape.

fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Portnalong, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 70m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Ian Grant

photography - copyright Rural Design

This small holiday house, located in the township of Fiscavaig on the western side of the Isle of Skye, deliberately eschews convention due to its unusual site. Indeed on first visiting the site it was difficult to see how any proposal could succeed if it disrupted a landscape that did not lend itself to intervention.

The decision to lift the building off the ground on small piloti released the design from convention and allowed it to relate to the wider context - the views to the north and the sun from the south. The form of the house deliberately narrows to the north, reducing its surface area, and leans into the weather.

The entrance bridge lifts one off the landscape and immediately upon entering one is connected with the view through the fully-glazed elevation to the north. The other windows are secondary and draw light into the two storey volume.

Simple timber construction reinforces the character of the house as a visitor in the ancient landscape.

milovaig

location: Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2005

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Andrew Lee

The internal planning is arranged to maximise the potential of the location; the corner window opens up views across the Little Minch to the Uists and Harris. The house is clad in coated norway spruce with corrugated sheeting on the roof. The open plan interior is characterised by the expression of the internal timber structure.

milovaig

location: Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2005

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Andrew Lee

The internal planning is arranged to maximise the potential of the location; the corner window opens up views across the Little Minch to the Uists and Harris. The house is clad in coated norway spruce with corrugated sheeting on the roof. The open plan interior is characterised by the expression of the internal timber structure.

milovaig

location: Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2005

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Andrew Lee

The internal planning is arranged to maximise the potential of the location; the corner window opens up views across the Little Minch to the Uists and Harris. The house is clad in coated norway spruce with corrugated sheeting on the roof. The open plan interior is characterised by the expression of the internal timber structure.

milovaig

location: Lower Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2005

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Andrew Lee

The internal planning is arranged to maximise the potential of the location; the corner window opens up views across the Little Minch to the Uists and Harris. The house is clad in coated norway spruce with corrugated sheeting on the roof. The open plan interior is characterised by the expression of the internal timber structure.

vatten

location: Vatten, Harlosh, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 210m2

schedule: completed 2006

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

This design occupies an exceptional site in north west Skye, combining outstanding views with orientation towards the south west. The house has been designed to take full advantage of all the characteristics of the site. The main house is juxtaposed with an organic form which encloses the main living spaces of the house: this part of the house is of timber construction with a sedum roof, which is designed to grow out of the ground.

dunhallin

location: Dunhallin, Waternish, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 90m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

Built upon an existing foundation from a prefabricated concrete house, this design uses the language of agricultural barns and sheds to add complexity and richness to a crowded site. Scottish larch cladding and corrugated sheeting enclose an open plan volume of interlocking internal spaces.

bernisdale

location: Bernisdale, Snizort, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 160m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: James MacQueen

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

This family house on Skye sits on the edge of an existing rock outcrop. Our starting point was to avoid the common approach of platforming the site and the consequent destruction of any pre-existing features. Instead we took advantage of the topography by stepping over the rock outcrop to create an interesting multi-level house. The internal arrangement is carefully considered to take advantage of the views and sunlight.

bernisdale

location: Bernisdale, Snizort, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 160m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: James MacQueen

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

This family house on Skye sits on the edge of an existing rock outcrop. Our starting point was to avoid the common approach of platforming the site and the consequent destruction of any pre-existing features, and instead use the topography to the advantage of the house wich steps over the rock outcrop to create an interesting multi-level house. The internal arrangement is carefully considered to take advantage of the views and sunlight.

balgown

location: Balgown, Struan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 180m2

schedule: completed 2006

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

An artist's studio in an upper gallery overlooks the dining space below. The master bedroom and main living room each have exceptional views towards Loch Bracadale. The house is of timber frame construction, clad with rendered masonry, while the roof is natural slate. The attached garage is of untreated larch giving contrast to the main house.

27 fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 140m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: James MacQueen Builders

photography - copyright Rural Design

The site has a direct view of Macleods maidens, and enjoys exceptional sunsets during the summer. This split level house takes advantage of the sloping site to increase floor to ceiling heights in the living and dining room. A very compact plan includes four double bedrooms including two ensuites. Clad in Scottish Larch and with a corrugated roof the house nestles comfortably into the site.

27 fiscavaig

location: Fiscavaig, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 140m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: James MacQueen Builders

photography - copyright Rural Design

The site has a direct view of Macleods maidens, and enjoys exceptional sunsets during the summer. This split level house takes advantage of the sloping site to increase floor to ceiling heights in the living and dining room. A very compact plan includes four double bedrooms including two ensuites. Clad in Scottish Larch and with a corrugated roof the house nestles comfortably into the site.

kildonan

location: Kildonan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 190m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

Our project at Kildonan in Skye is a good example of how a large single storey house can be accommodated in the landscape without dominating adjacent buildings. The design breaks the building down into two parallel forms which nestle into a gently sloping site. A 'lean-to' garage takes up a further step in the site and helps create a modern design from traditional forms.

The southerly aspect allows the house to take full advantage of solar gain. A louvred structure provides some shading for the summer, yet allows the low winter sun into the living spaces.

kildonan

location: Kildonan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 190m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

Our project at Kildonan in Skye is a good example of how a large single storey house can be accommodated in the landscape without dominating adjacent buildings. The design breaks the building down into two parallel forms which nestle into a gently sloping site. A 'lean-to' garage takes up a further step in the site and helps create a modern design from traditional forms.

The southerly aspect allows the house to take full advantage of solar gain. A louvred structure provides some shading for the summer, yet allows the low winter sun into the living spaces.

kildonan

location: Kildonan, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 190m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

Our project at Kildonan in Skye is a good example of how a large single storey house can be accommodated in the landscape without dominating adjacent buildings. The design breaks the building down into two parallel forms which nestle into a gently sloping site. A 'lean-to' garage takes up a further step in the site and helps create a modern design from traditional forms.

The southerly aspect allows the house to take full advantage of solar gain. A louvred structure provides some shading for the summer, yet allows the low winter sun into the living spaces.

aird

location: Aird, Snizort, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 90m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Donald Lamont

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

This house on Skye has been designed for ease of living for its retired occupant. The single storey two bedroomed house takes advantage of the views from the site with a simple linear plan.

husabost

location: Husabost, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

This design occupies another exceptional site in north west Skye, a 270 degree view takes in the Western Isles, Loch Dunvegan and the Cuillin. The house has been designed to take full advantage of this, as well as a having passive solar approach. The house is heavily insulated, and includes an air source heat pump together with a heat recovery and ventilation system. Clad in scottish Larch, the house is weathering to a beautiful silver grey.

husabost

location: Husabost, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

This design occupies another exceptional site in north west Skye, a 270 degree view takes in the Western Isles, Loch Dunvegan and the Cuillin. The house has been designed to take full advantage of this, as well as a having passive solar approach. The house is heavily insulated, and includes an air source heat pump together with a heat recovery and ventilation system. Clad in scottish Larch, the house is weathering to a beautiful silver grey.

husabost

location: Husabost, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

This design occupies another exceptional site in north west Skye, a 270 degree view takes in the Western Isles, Loch Dunvegan and the Cuillin. The house has been designed to take full advantage of this, as well as a having passive solar approach. The house is heavily insulated, and includes an air source heat pump together with a heat recovery and ventilation system. Clad in scottish Larch, the house is weathering to a beautiful silver grey.

husabost

location: Husabost, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client: Private

size: 170m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: Mackenzie Building

photography - copyright Rural Design

This design occupies another exceptional site in north west Skye, a 270 degree view takes in the Western Isles, Loch Dunvegan and the Cuillin. The house has been designed to take full advantage of this, as well as a having passive solar approach. The house is heavily insulated, and includes an air source heat pump together with a heat recovery and ventilation system. Clad in scottish Larch, the house is weathering to a beautiful silver grey.

plockton

location: Bank Street, Plockton, Lochalsh

project type: Affordable Housing - 2 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 160m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: John Macbeath

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

The project is to provide amenity housing within the Rosshire village of Plockton.The site, located at the immediate entrance to the village presented significant challenges. Set within the conservation area the project echoes the paired houses and barns found in the west highlands. 3d modelling assisted our design proposals at an early stage in developing a suitable massing, protecting sightlines and the amenity of adjoining properties. The building will be finished in rubble stonework, wet dash harl, slate and timber.

plockton

location: Bank Street, Plockton, Lochalsh

project type: Affordable Housing - 2 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 160m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: John Macbeath

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

The project is to provide amenity housing within the Ross-shire village of Plockton. The site, located at the immediate entrance to the village, presented significant challenges. Set within the conservation area, the project echoes the paired houses and barns found in the West Highlands. 3d modelling assisted our design proposals at an early stage in developing a suitable massing which would protect sightlines and the amenity of adjoining properties. The building is finished in rubble stonework, wet dash harl, slate and timber.

edinbane

location: Coishletter, Edinbane, Isle of Skye

project type: Affordable Housing - 4 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 400m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

A small terrace of 4 houses for Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association. Sustainability has been a key criteria in the preparation of the design, in parallel with using orientation and siting to full advantage, the development utilises a thick wall construction and an innovative solar powered heat exchanger.

edinbane

location: Coishletter, Edinbane, Isle of Skye

project type: Affordable Housing - 4 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 400m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

A small terrace of 4 houses for Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association. Sustainability was a key criteria in the preparation of the design. In parallel with using orientation and siting to full advantage, the development utilises a thick wall construction and an innovative solar powered heat exchanger.

edinbane

location: Coishletter, Edinbane, Isle of Skye

project type: Affordable Housing - 4 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 400m2

schedule: completed 2007

team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson

contractor: N&J MacFarlane

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

A small terrace of 4 houses for Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association. Sustainability was a key criteria in the preparation of the design. In parallel with using orientation and siting to full advantage, the development utilises a thick wall construction and an innovative solar powered heat exchanger.

achintraid

location: Achintraid, Kishorn, Wester Ross

project type: Affordable Housing - 4 Houses

client: Albyn Housing Society

size: 400m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: William Gray

photography - copyright Rural Design

The house type here has been constrained by a very narrow site, however the design developed to allow all apartments to have views across Loch Kishorn to the Bealach na Ba. The houses are designed to accord with the underlying character of local housing. Superinsulation and Thermal stores minimise heating requirements for the occupants of the houses.

achintraid

location: Achintraid, Kishorn, Wester Ross

project type: Affordable Housing - 4 Houses

client: Albyn Housing Society

size: 400m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald

contractor: William Gray

photography - copyright Rural Design

The house type here has been constrained by a very narrow site, however the design developed to allow all apartments to have views across Loch Kishorn to the Bealach na Ba. The houses are designed to accord with the underlying character of local housing. Superinsulation and Thermal stores minimise heating requirements for the occupants of the houses.

creag a charran

location: Portree, Isle of Skye

project type: Extension

client: Private

size: 35m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: Angus Macdonald

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

Taking clues from the traditional “lean-to”, this extension sits on the south end of a large victorian villa . Taking advantage of views to Camustianavaig via a canted bay window, the new space has become the focus of the daily life of the house.

creag a charran

location: Portree, Isle of Skye

project type: Extension

client: Private

size: 35m2

schedule: completed 2008

team: Alan Dickson, Nick Thomson

contractor: Angus Macdonald

photography - copyright Caroline Dear/Rural Design

Taking clues from the traditional “lean-to”, this extension sits on the south end of a large victorian villa . Taking advantage of views to Camustianavaig via a canted bay window, the new space has become the focus of the daily life of the house.

loch maree

location: Loch Maree, Achnasheen

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 500m2

schedule: 2008

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Stefanie Warmer, Sam Wright, Elena Kindelan, Blair Hunter

contractor: MM Miller

photography/model - copyright Rural Design

The 500m2 house on the edge of Loch Maree in Rosshire in the North West Highlands replaces a former foresters cottage. Set within a mature woodland setting, with views from the site directly towards Slioch, one of the best known mountains in scotland, the house has been designed to embrace the spectacular scenery.

The use of timber has been a key issue in the development of the design, and it is proposes to take full advantage of timber within the structure, cladding and energy use of the house.

loch maree

location: Loch Maree, Achnasheen

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 500m2

schedule: 2008

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Stefanie Warmer, Sam Wright, Elena Kindelan, Blair Hunter

contractor: MM Miller

photography/model - copyright Rural Design

The 500m2 house on the edge of Loch Maree in Rosshire in the North West Highlands replaces a former foresters cottage. Set within a mature woodland setting, with views from the site directly towards Slioch, one of the best known mountains in scotland, the house has been designed to embrace the spectacular scenery.

The use of timber has been a key issue in the development of the design, and it is proposes to take full advantage of timber within the structure, cladding and energy use of the house.

loch maree

location: Loch Maree, Achnasheen

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 500m2

schedule: 2008

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Stefanie Warmer, Sam Wright, Elena Kindelan, Blair Hunter

contractor: MM Miller

photography/model - copyright Rural Design

The 500m2 house on the edge of Loch Maree in Rosshire in the North West Highlands replaces a former foresters cottage. Set within a mature woodland setting, with views from the site directly towards Slioch, one of the best known mountains in scotland, the house has been designed to embrace the spectacular scenery.

The use of timber has been a key issue in the development of the design, and it is proposes to take full advantage of timber within the structure, cladding and energy use of the house.

loch maree

location: Loch Maree, Achnasheen

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 500m2

schedule: 2008

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Stefanie Warmer, Sam Wright, Elena Kindelan, Blair Hunter

contractor: MM Miller

photography/model - copyright Rural Design

The 500m2 house on the edge of Loch Maree in Rosshire in the North West Highlands replaces a former foresters cottage. Set within a mature woodland setting, with views from the site directly towards Slioch, one of the best known mountains in scotland, the house has been designed to embrace the spectacular scenery.

The use of timber has been a key issue in the development of the design, and it is proposes to take full advantage of timber within the structure, cladding and energy use of the house.

burnside

location: Burnside, Plockton, Lochalsh

project type: Affordable Housing - 24 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 2300m2

schedule: for completion 2009/10

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson, Elena Kindelan, Ian Grant

image - copyright Rural Design

In our proposals for an awkward site at Burnside in Plockton, we have explored a new typology for rural housing. The use of two different housing forms - the terrace and the barn - create a form reminiscent of historical rural patterns. A mix of materials, stone, harl, timber, slate and corrugated sheeting further explore the variety of form and commonly found in a highland setting.

burnside

location: Burnside, Plockton, Lochalsh

project type: Affordable Housing - 24 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 2300m2

schedule: for completion 2009/10

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson, Elena Kindelan, Ian Grant

image - copyright Rural Design

In our proposals for an awkward site at Burnside in Plockton, we have explored a new typology for rural housing. The use of two different housing forms - the terrace and the barn - create a form reminiscent of historical rural patterns. A mix of materials, stone, harl, timber, slate and corrugated sheeting further explore the variety of form and commonly found in a highland setting.

burnside

location: Burnside, Plockton, Lochalsh

project type: Affordable Housing - 24 Houses

client: Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association

size: 2300m2

schedule: for completion 2009/10

team: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Gill Smith, Nick Thomson, Elena Kindelan, Ian Grant

image - copyright Rural Design

In our proposals for an awkward site at Burnside in Plockton, we have explored a new typology for rural housing. The use of two different housing forms - the terrace and the barn - create a form reminiscent of historical rural patterns. A mix of materials, stone, harl, timber, slate and corrugated sheeting further explore the variety of form and commonly found in a highland setting.

housing fair

location: Balvonie Braes, Inverness

project type: architectural competition

cli2ent:James MacQueen

size: 137m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Elena Kindelan, Nick Thomson, Blair Hunter

contractor: James MacQueen

photography/model - copyright Rural Design

Our winning entry for the Highland Housing Fair competition has been designed to provide a modern house that has its roots in highland architecture. The design has been conceived to take full advantage of the private external spaces and encourage the use of this space for food production as well as pleasure. The internal spaces are designed to benefit from the highly sustainable specification, maximising insulation and heat from solar gain. The houses forming the housing fair should be completed by 2009.

lochussie

location: Lochussie, Dingwall

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 350m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Ian Grant

photography/model/image - copyright Rural Design

This project will incorporate the ruins of a former mill. Combining the old walls with the new constructions and insertions in the fabric it is intended to clearly articulate the modern additions, set against the solid stone walls of the mill. The internal courtyard has become the focus for the house, and all internal rooms on the ground floor have a direct relationship into this enjoyable south facing garden overlooking a burn. A new bedroom tower allows views over the wider surrounding landscape.

lochussie

location: Lochussie, Dingwall

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 350m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Ian Grant

photography/model/image - copyright Rural Design

This project will incorporate the ruins of a former mill. Combining the old walls with the new constructions and insertions in the fabric it is intended to clearly articulate the modern additions, set against the solid stone walls of the mill. The internal courtyard has become the focus for the house, and all internal rooms on the ground floor have a direct relationship into this enjoyable south facing garden overlooking a burn. A new bedroom tower allows views over the wider surrounding landscape.

lochussie

location: Lochussie, Dingwall

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 350m2

schedule: 2009

architects: Alan Dickson, Marnie Macdonald, Ian Grant

photography/model/image - copyright Rural Design

This project will incorporate the ruins of a former mill. Combining the old walls with the new constructions and insertions in the fabric it is intended to clearly articulate the modern additions, set against the solid stone walls of the mill. The internal courtyard has become the focus for the house, and all internal rooms on the ground floor have a direct relationship into this enjoyable south facing garden overlooking a burn. A new bedroom tower allows views over the wider surrounding landscape.

camustianavaig

location: Camustianavaig, Isle of Skye

project type: Private House

client:Private

size: 145m2

schedule: 2010

architects: Alan Dickson, Andy Brown

images - copyright Rural Design

The two houses at Camustianavaig are sited on a former camping site near Portree on the Isle of Skye, the site has previously been terraced in to flat platforms. The new house works with the “new” topography and beds itself into the step with upper and lower levels. The site is bounded on three sides by mature trees with views to Raasay to the south west.

The dwelling is a simple volume sitting on a random rubble plinth, the scale appear relatively minimal to the public road, however opens up to the view to the private side of the house. The upper level on the third floor is cantilevered over the lower level to maximize the benefit of sunlight & views, and opens onto a south facing roof terrace.

The proposal has been designed for a local developer, and will be marketed shortly.