This proposal is for a new build dwelling, aiming for Passivhaus Certification, on Islay. The application site comprises land to the south of the side garden of an existing house combined with a triangle of ground previously used as agricultural land.

The topography currently splits the site into two areas: a lower portion (adjacent to a burn) that contains an existing shed and the existing access driveway. The upper portion of land is comprised almost completely of grassy field. The two distinct sections of site meet at the narrowest western side of the plot where the topography allows for a bleeding together of the levels as the site meets the road.

A dominant feature on the existing site is a shed with a rusted metal roof. This red-orange rust contrasts with the green of the existing trees and grass, and yet does not look out of place in the rural landscape: many such agricultural buildings inhabit the landscape of Islay, and the colour is reminiscent of foliage such as bracken and beech in the autumn months.

Islay has a strong heritage of peat farming and it has played a major role in whisky distillation production for generations by being used to dry barley ahead of distillation. The peat when removed from the ground is a deep black-brown colour.

These two natural elements from the surrounding area have informed the choice of materials in this project, and serve to tie the building firmly to it’s context.

The concept for the house was to create a simple, crisp, pitch-roofed form that faces south combined with a more industrial / agricultural form to the rear that relates to the existing shed. The design is 1½ storey, which fits well with the other houses in the area, however an asymmetrically pitched roof with the long slope facing south to take advantage of the potential for on-site energy generation. All main living spaces face south, with the circulation and ‘service’ spaces to the north side of the building.

This project is currently on site and due for completion in 2021.