There’s a reason why almost 20 per cent of all the houses on Skye are holiday homes. Easy access from the mainland, sublime views in every direction, a starring role in some of the biggest films and TV shows in recent years, and the kind of dramatic weather that looks like a time-lapse video happening in real-time, the island is proof that when it comes to property, location is everything. What might be more surprising to discover is that among the recent new-builds is some of the most interesting residential architecture in Britain.
It wasn’t always like this, of course. For a long time, Skye felt remote, and few new homes deviated from traditional forms. Now, though, the island is dotted with a smorgasbord of modern designs, some of which really must have tested the planning department and the local population. There is enormous respect for the landscape here, though, and the majority of self-builders and architects have taken care to honour that in their plans.
Alan Dickson, director of Portree-based architecture practice Rural Design, went one step further. Taking the notion that ‘landscape is king’, he turned conventional architecture on its head in order to make his latest design disappear into the terrain. His clients had bought a site in the north-west of the island that had planning permission specifically for a build close to the road. This, he knew, would limit what could be created. “We knew the planners would want something traditional if the house was close to the road and therefore visible. It’s a sloping site, though, so we looked at ways to build at the bottom of the incline, out of sight, which would allow us to be more creative.”
Denne historien er fra March - April 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
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Denne historien er fra March - April 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Escape BOATH HOUSE
An inspirational Georgian manor house in the north-east offers sanctuary to artists, poets and the curious of spirit
Escape THE LOOKOUT
Sun-drenched interiors, right on the beach - it's hard to believe this is Scotland
"It still feels like home. Just nicer"
The owners of this house in Edinburgh didn't intend to give it a complete makeover, but once they started they just couldn't stop
A SCOTTISH LOVE STORY
You need passion to persevere through a lengthy restoration project. Thankfully for this rambling old lodge in Highland Perthshire, its new owners were already head over heels
CLEAN AND POLISH
Ten years in the making, this one-time dental surgery in Portobello has been reshaped as an elegant, practical family home
MEET THE MAKER RACHEL MACLELLAN
You might think the process is purely creative, but designing knitted textiles requires a deep understanding of geometry and pattern calculations. It is intricate and often mathematical. I have learned that knitting demands a constant balance between artistry and engineering. Creating a new textile involves not only selecting colours and yarns but also considering the tensile strength, elasticity and drape of the material. That way, I ensure the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To me, this blend of creativity and technical precision is a fascinating aspect of knitted textile design.
IN THE KITCHEN AT PARTIES
It's all in the details for this slick and multifunctional entertainment space
JUST A HINT OF PINK
This family-orientated Georgian kitchen gets an upgrade in both footprint and finish
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Beauty and the best of Scotland on the shores of Loch Ness
LAURA THOMAS
The environmentalist has become a very successful entrepreneur whose products are stocked by Scotland's best hotels