Efficient Coastal Living

Completed in 2025, the client’s brief called for a high-quality accomodation that could be delivered and occupied within the shortest timescale.

The site overlooks the beautiful Walls voe across to the islands of Vaila and Linga.  A small site, it is bounded on all sides by private access roads and where an existing Nissen hut had to be demolished.  The site had the ground leveled in readiness for building upon.  Gabion baskets were filled with the excavated stone, to provided a rustic, stepped retaining wall.

After much consideration, a prefab accomodation pod was decided upon to provide the client with fastest completion.  A 'removable' building required less time on consents and avoided a lengthy wait for builders that we were experiencing at the time. 

Before selecting the pod, we carried out in-depth research of the build quality, insulation and materials of various pod manufacturers in Scotland.  Carbon Dynamic stood out above all others. 

Another benefit of the prefabricated pod was to simplify and quicken foundation work.  This minimised on-site construction time, enabling fast delivery while respecting the fragile coastal setting.

Working closely with the suppliers and local contractors, née gibson architects dealt with the consents, oversaw the procurement, transport, and installation process to completion.  The Lodge was provided and shipped from Aberdeen by the firm Pat Munro.

An new art studio was also designed as a simple room with north light for the client's etching work.  As a lesser priority than the accomodation, it was designed to be built by local builders when available. 

The project demonstrates the value of agile design thinking.   The modern form appears to sit comfortably amongst the variety of neighboring building types near the pier and marina.   Wild seeded grass around the site has also enlivened the small and yet prominent site that was becoming dilapidated.