A challenging but highly rewarding project involving the complete refurbishment and extension of this historic cottage in Rothiemurchus, near Cairngorm Mountain–in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The brief was to create a modern home that could be used as a large sociable space or as a series of smaller dwellings, for an extended family to enjoy this stunning setting.

A dilapidated steading next to the original building was demolished and the stone retained to build a new plinth for the extension. To increase the amount of stone needed, a local quarry– the source of the stone used in the old steading– was reopened to allow the identical stone to be used in the project. This level of authenticity is important to us and the client, but it also meant that transport of the stone to site was kept to a minimum.

Resting on the plinth is a beautifully simple glass and timber structure, which flows seamlessly from the original house. Sitting at the same level as the house, the extension floats high above the landscape at its furthest point, as the ground falls away beneath it. 

Connections to the landscape beyond were designed to ebb and flow throughout the house, with differing views framed at each turn, in every space. From the expansive terrace serving the social spaces, to the focused view of the Spey Valley from the master suite, this home is enveloped by its spectacular surroundings.