SKYE

Vriskaig House

Vriskaig House, a new-build three bedroom home, sits above Portree Loch. Sited in a wooded hillside, it is bedded into its wild context with views across the water.

Light wood symmetrical kitchen with taj mahal quartzite surfaces and kitchen island with split face stone wall and brass linear pendant light

Cloudy misty view of coast on isle of skye with stony beach and hazy mountains in background

View of sea and mountains in background on isle of skye with warm colours

Two volumes intersect; an arching, blackened timber clad form follows the contours of the land, from which a rubbled local stone front wall descends dramatically, concealing further accommodation behind. This timber cladding and natural stone walling reduces the visual impact of the dwelling from distant views.

Exterior close up view of timber cladding and rubble stone surrounding frameless glass windows with glass balcony and pine trees in the backround

“In striking the perfect chord between juxtaposing and complimenting the atmosphere of the Hebrides, Room has created a sanctuary.”

EST LIVING ONLINE

Open plan kitchen dining and living room in light warm grey clayplaster and resin floor with taj mahal quartzite island surface, wooden table and chairs with large paper pendant above

Corner view of room with armchairs and coffee table on sheepskin rug with frameless corner glazing looking out to harbour

Top corner of blackened timber clad building with corner glazing with trees behind

The use of natural materials runs into the interior, a free flowing, generous but understated space. The rough and rugged environment outside is striking, viewed through large expanses of slimline glazing. Clayplaster walls, natural resin floors and ash joinery work together in a carefully curated palette.

Corner view of rubble stone and blackened timber modern house

External view of large floor length window set in rubble stone with sheer curtain

Bed with linen headboard and cover in bedroom with glass pendant lights, timber fluted wall cladding and clayplaster walls with a freestanding white bath in the corner

Linear perforations in the roof structure bring daylight into the rear of the house and enable cross-ventilation. The house is powered by an air-source heat pump and photovoltaic cells, with exemplary levels of insulation and air-tightness keeping the internal space warm against the often harsh elements.

View of contemporary single storey rubble stone and black timber clad house sat on hillside

Evening view of modern stone and black timber house on hillside surrounded by trees in autumnal colours

Bespoke fitted joinery within timber plank lined room with black handles

Material choice (a lot of which is sourced locally), working with Hebridean craftspeople, and the way the building is powered responded to a desire to lessen the impact of the building on the environment locally and as a whole.