Architecture Practice, BAILTEAN AILTEIREACHD ’S RÙM DÀNACH:
TOWNSHIPS, ARCHITECTURE & The ROOM of POETICS

House for an archaeologist

Context

We find a site with a dilapidated assemblage of buildings, sitting in a position overlooking multiple archaeological sites, and in the distance over to Hoy. This proximity of archaeological remains positions the house as a spectator to this history, in and of the landscape. We wish to embed this house physically and metaphorically to the earth.  

Architecture
Ruairidh Moir – Architect
Ciaran Gallagher - Assistant
Andrew Lang - Visuals

Location
Harray, Orkney, Scotland

Client
Private

Stage
Construction Tendering

Following analysis of the site and its surrounding context we became aware of records of the remains of a broch in the adjacent site. We have deliberately kept the footprint of the new building to the upper limits of the site to recognise the setting.

Through forensic research of the existing buildings on site, we have identified elements of a former house or steading was embedded into the remains. We are pleased to repropose this to form boundary and shelter for the new house.

The Home

We propose a replacement dual-winged dwelling sited along the northern perimeter and rooted in the topography. This will allow the new dwelling easier access links with the existing garage whilst allowing a more cohesive relationship with the site. Views to Hoy will be addressed from key spaces in the programme whilst dividing the programme in to two wings allows a sense of enclosure within what is an otherwise exposed site.

The dwelling takes the form of a predominately single-storey building with a small two-storey element at the junction between both wings, creating a deep entrance doorway below. The first floor is accessed by a hidden staircase along the front facade, reminiscent of a section through a broch; similar to what the broch on the adjacent site possibly exhibited.

Rooted in its topography, the building’s ground floor is split between two levels, with the master bedroom and en-suite situated at the end of a descending ramp to accommodate existing site levels. Differing from the Pre-Application submission, the building has been orientated almost parallel with the northern boundary, anchoring it within the site limits and allowing the bedroom wing to rotate out, making the most of the available site and views south to Hoy. The ridge lines run predominantly on axis with the site and with the retained garage building.

We have also taken cues from extensive analysis of key archaeological sites in the locality, such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe in relation to composition of geometry as well as key drivers and components in relation to the arrangement of domestic life.

Process

Design Development

A VESSEL OF CHRONICLES AND VOYAGES
We propose a building as a campus, placed on the shore line and creating a kind of landscape that evokes the qualities of this place.  Large blocks are anchored against sheltering walls, like ships come into harbour. We propose a dynamic and exploratory building, blending historical narrative with a forward-thinking approach. The vessel navigates through time, filled with chronicles and opportunities for new voyages.    

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BERNERAY MANSE
Building on our work at nearby Trumaisgearraidh, we have been commissioned to assist with renovation plans to bring the building back into habitable use as well as adapting the house sympathetically to reflect the needs of modern domestic life. 

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QUEENS CROSS CHURCH
Queens Cross Church is a Grade A listed building, designed by the renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It no longer serves its function of a church, however continues to be used as a base for the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society.

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COMANN EACHDRAIDH SGÌRE A' BHAC
The site of the former school in the district of Back, Isle of Lewis, has been a vacant wound in the area ever since the school buildings were removed.  It is a site of emotional connection and historical association, with many having either being educated there or being related to those who were.

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COMUNN EACHDRAIDH NIS
Reinvigorating a civic Building by transforming the 1878 former Cross School buildings on the Isle of Lewis into a modern museum facility.

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CRUACHAN BEAG
Reinhabiting a ruin. On the Isle of Eriskay, a two-celled stone bothy lain in a ruinous state situated on a spectacular promontory, was a favourite for onlookers to photograph. This structure was formerly a home, and may later have become a dairy shed. What was clear, however, was that numerous adaptations had been made over time to the building.

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CARLOWAY MILL - Proposals for a Harris Tweed Textile Mill in the Outer Hebrides. The Carloway Mill produces its own yarns and patterns before the beams are sent out to crofters to weave on traditional looms. Following this, the woven textile returns to the mill for meticulous checking, washing, steaming and warping.

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EDINBURGH TOWNHOUSE
Our design proposes modifications to the kitchen and dining areas of the property to the rear garden, examining the property holistically in relation to the building character and function.

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GALLAN HEAD MASTERPLAN
During the cold war the MOD took the headland into their possession to establish a major surveillance including accommodation for around 200 people. This headland and the buildings associated, remained in military control until 2010. The Gallan head community trust has since taken possession of this headland buildings.

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IONAD EILEAN NA H-ÒIGE
The location that inspired Whisky Galore and the site of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s first Scottish landfall, the Isle of Eriskay has an incredibly rich and eclectic history. Affectionately known as ‘Eilean h- Òige’ (the isle of youth), Eriskay was only first populated after the Highland Clearances and has a relatively short history of inhabitants, but a history that could rival any of its neighbours.

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ARTISTS STUDIO
PLACING LIGHT ATOP THE HILL
Across the Outer Hebrides, patterns of former habitations punctuate the landscape. In the case of Lemreway, a remarkable collection of blackhouses sit elevated above the new village, quite forgotten despite their prominent position overlooking the village.

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LOBSTER HOUSE. Positioning a new home on a narrow ledge between bedrock and a blackhouse ruin. What to do on a challenging site to amplify the found qualities of the place.

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CROWNING THE CITY - “Rock, Water, Wood and Space” symbolises the natural environment of Finland. The nodes in the landscape is imbued with history and traces of past existences which can be read and understood when presented. Much like a fine Malt Whisky, the landscape provides ingredients for multiple interpretations and close associations between people and their environment.

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WINDYHILL. Building on Mackintosh - Windyhill was the first prototype house from world renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is his last remaining project still used for its own original purpose.

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HOUSE FOR AN ARCHAEOLOGIST - Building in and of the land. We have also taken cues from extensive analysis of key archaeological sites in the locality, such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe in relation to composition of geometry as well as key drivers and components in relation to the arrangement of domestic life.

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