The Hen House
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 such a landscape.
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.
Saltire Medal 2010
Saltire Housing Design Awards 2010: Winner
Andrew Doolan Award 2010: Finalist
This house is available for holiday lets and can be seen in further detail here - The Hen House