Eternit House

Eternit clad house near Kinlochbervie by Dualchas Building Design

Scottish Vernacular

Here are some interesting buildings dotted around the highlands.

The Shed Phase 1

We have made a start on constructing a shed/office. It is quite an operation and lots of work but hopefully its going to be pretty damn cool when its finished. Here are some photos of phase 1. Goodness knows when we will get round to phase 2, lets hope its soon because i really need these bikes out of the house!

Extension to Nairn Academy

Here are some photographs of the recently completed extension to Nairn Academy. The extension is for the SEN department (special educational needs). The classrooms have the ability to open onto a private garden within which the children will be safe to play and explore. The plan is for them to grow their own vegetables and plants and trees. The classrooms blur the boundaries between the inside and the outside and it is hoped the children will be stimulated by this.

The building is constructed from a JJI prefabricated timber frame and insulated with recycled newspaper. It is finished with untreated Scottish Larch and Uginox stainless steel cladding. The building utilises a heat recovery system which takes the heat from the inside air and redistributes it around the building.

The building was designed by Alex Dickson for The Highland Council.

Waterfront Redevelopment

Two northern cities... two radically different solutions - the best? you decide....

Above: Image of proposed Stavanger waterfront redevelopment by aart archtiects

Stavanger waterfront redevelopment is described by the architect as follows; 'The new buildings work as an enclosure of the outside areas, creates variation and merges the different movements. Hereby "Promenaden" becomes more than a thoroughfare, but a walk through with variating experiences and qualities - through the private or exposed spheres. The building block is positioned on the area to create recreational spaces which adapts to changing situations of weather, sun, view and line of sight'


Above: Image of proposed Inverness waterfront redevelopment by Colin Armstrong Architects

Inverness waterfront redevelopment is described as follows; "an iconic new landmark building" for the city, it is inspired by a lighthouse — although the developers stress it is just one possible idea..... It is also envisaged two or three shops, commercial offices and service businesses would occupy waterside units while an orbital walkway, leading to the city centre, would be integral'

For information the scheme for Stavanger by aart architects who are based in Copenhagen, was the result of an international competition.

Our new vespa....

Welcome to the family....



but best of all, i get to wear one of these....

Cedar House

We were driving with a friend to her house last night and she pointed out a house which she drives past every day but can only see the roof -the roof is shingle so she was keen to check the place out. So we went for a nosey and found this great building. Its a cedar clad house with a shingle roof. No idea who the architect is but i'd love to know. It looks like its near completion so no doubt we will be seeing it in the mags soon!

David Chipperfield

David Chipperfield has remained my greatest inspiration ever since i studied his 'Knight House' in 1st year at University. When i started to investigate and study his buildings i was just blown away by them- all are intelligent and perfectly detailed works of art.

I just came across this development in China.... it is brilliant.