A refurbished blackhouse’ on the Isle of Tiree and a minimalist home cut into a cliffside on Skye have been shortlisted for The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 2014 RIBA Manser Medal, the UK’s most prestigious housing design award.
On Tiree, it was the restoration and extension of a ruined, B-listed, blackhouse designed by Denizen Works which caught the judges’ attention.
Said to be “truly inspiring” it follows in the spirit of local agricultural buildings and features corrugated cladding on the roof.
Set in the southern area of the island, House no. 7 enjoys views of Duin Bay to the south, set within a typical Tiree undulating machair, punctuated by other traditional housing.
Without any natural shelter from the wind, the house hunkers down within its exposed setting.
However, the interior is designed to be light, bright, welcoming and cosy, in contrast with the robust forms of the exterior.
Extensive use of timber, alongside the exposed natural stone, creates a feeling of warmth while heating is provided through an air-source heat pump.
The conversion features a glass-roofed corridor which links separate parts of the building.
Although experts themselves, the judges stated that it was difficult to express in words, or show in photographs the truly inspiring quality of the space and the sense of pleasure it creates.
Of particular note is the quality of the detailing, in the way tactile materials have been used throughout to create a home that’s full of thoughtful playfulness.
Cliff House on Skye, designed by Dualchas Architects, sits on the edge of a steep escarpment, with its entrance elevation cut into the hillside, which allows it to command panoramic views across Loch Dunvegan and distant views to the north-east.
Semi-hidden, the minimalist house which features Caithness stone and larch, is gradually revealed to the visitor by means of a curved path.
Described as “a deceptively simple response to a unique island setting,” the house is said to be both respectful of its special location and a superb contemporary dwelling for its inhabitants.
The building includes an open plan living room and kitchen space, while a short corridor connecting the two bedrooms enjoys the same full-height windows with dramatic views.
While the architecture is minimalist – there’s no skirtings or architraves for example, it features nice touches such as polished concrete floors.
The architect’s intention was to concentrate the eye on the relationship between the interior and exterior, the stunning view over Loch Dunvegan.
The RIBA Manser Medal winner will be announced at a special event on Thursday, October 16 at the RIBA in London.