RURAL DESIGN  contemporary architecture for the scottish countryside
  • 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.

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  • 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.

Profile

Rural Design is a practice of award winning architects based on the Isle of Skye, working throughout the Highlands of Scotland.

Our portfolio of work emphasises the diversity of design skills we can offer, from new build and furniture design to landscape and masterplanning. We consciously avoid a prescriptive style, with each project being based upon a rigorous analysis of the clients requirements, the site and the landscape context. Our work is characterised by a crisp and contemporary approach; however it is always grounded by an understanding of history and a respect for the environment.

A key element of our approach is sustainable and innovative design. Our collective knowledge, skills and experience, accumulated over years of practice, allow us to continuously seek improvements in the design and services we offer and to seek innovative design solutions in line with our clients expectations. Rural Design combines the best qualities of a small innovative practice with the experience, depth and knowledge of a large office, enabling it to undertake advanced and complex projects.

We approach each project with the same guiding view, a unique proposition that requires a unique solution.

Contact

We are interested in the possibilities in any project, large or small. If you feel that our approach is of interest to you please do not hesitate to contact us for an informal discussion.

rural design ltd

5 Lochside
Dunvegan
Isle of Skye
IV55 8WA

tel. 01470 521555
fax. 01470 521551


www.ruraldesign.co.uk

If you contact us by email and receive no reply it is most likely that your message has been caught in one of our junk mail filters, if you do not hear from us within a couple of days it may be best to follow up your interest by telephone.