island retreat

Our client had commuted by ferry to work on Bressay for a number of years.  Considering retirement, they intended to live permanently on the island and asked us to design a house for a new site at Kirkabister in the south end of the island. 

Primarily, the house had to be large enough to comfortably host visiting family; address the panoramic view along Shetland's mainland with a focus on the town of Lerwick and provide a varied experience of internal spaces to enjoy.

Distinctive parts of the house interior include the double height dining/ living area where a high level snug provides a ceiling to give more intimacy in the living room.  We created various neuks as musing spaces, often with a window framing a sea view or basking sunlight.

The single storey form, weathered / black painted cladding, natural slate / metal roofing all evoke a vernacular form.  This brings a more discreet appearance within the small area of Kirkabister, and as seen from further afield.

The sheltered north facing entrance links to the garage.  This is tucked to the rear, providing sheltered car arrival and a work space & greenhouse for industrious gardening activities.