Island Retreat

To the west coast of Scotland, the Island Retreat is a unique little building organised by a series of interconnected structures. Our project brief was to principally retrofit, refurbish, and reimagine the existing structure as a new off-grid family retreat. Internally the project ambition aims to exploit the visual and physical connection to the spectacular surrounding landscape and seascapes. Peculiar in its existing form, the project considered opportunities to cost effectively reimagine its exterior.

Inspired by Norman Wilkinson’s WW1 dazzle camouflage warship patterns, the project utilised a suite of high-performance mineral paint coatings to provide a long-term coastal weatherproof solution while ‘playing games’ with visual geometry and perception of its form. The project is completely off-grid and implemented zero-carbon renewable technologies; solar array with deep cycle lead acid battery bank providing sustainable electrical demand for heating, hot water, and general small power for the refurbished building. Rainwater Harvesting with UV sterilisation provides non-potable water for domestic use.

The thermal upgrade to external walls and roof maximises thermal performance whilst a full replacement of the existing single glazed timber framed windows and doors to a VELFAC Alu-Clad system offers greatly improved performance and mitigates maintenance issues. Wooden linings were specified internally throughout for aesthetic value, wellbeing quality, and tactility. The timber panel’s hygroscopic moisture buffer properties also helped stabilise humidity within the building especially when unoccupied. The remote island location presented many construction and design challenges.

Issues such as primary access to the site and shifting weather patterns required a necessity for a phased approach to the works over several summer seasons. Issues with delivery of materials, generally made by small boat or by helicopter, meant careful consideration and constraint to the design specification. Throughout the design the project adopted products with a long design life and with low maintenance requirements.