Mizpah Cottage

This tardis like extension to an already extended cottage in the planned Dornoch Firth village of Embo is a case of maximising space on a minimal site. Architects HRI were asked to provide additional living, utility and study space in extending an existing kitchen/dining area and bedroom in a rear garden area of less than 8 metres wide in the centre of a planned village with strict planning limitations.

The solution provides a double height living room space – with an internal mezzanine space for the upper floor bedroom, accessing a study and first floor – to relocated rear entrance and wet room/utility space. The unashamedly contemporary design creates a larch clad tower element linked to a gable glazed full height living space to an identical section as that of the pre-existing extension.

The project creates a surprising spatial experience and externally makes a powerful local contribution to the tightly planned semi-urban village grid plan.