Caochan na Creige, Scotland

Caochan na Creige

Perched on a rocky outcrop and just a stone’s throw away from the Minch - the Atlantic sea channel between the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland - the house has been strategically positioned to take advantage of the elevated level and panoramic sea views across to Skye.

The sculptural form is built out of the same Lewisian Gneiss rock on which it sits and sourced from a quarry less than five miles away. A concrete parapet with exposed Lewisian Gneiss aggregate caps the stone walls and together with the hardwood windows creates a contemporary air to the design.

Internally, soft angles weave throughout the home creating intriguing spaces that flow into one another while still remaining defined. These ideas were inspired by the gently shaped black houses which are vernacular to the island.

The house was entirely built by Jack Arundell and Alasdair Izat - Eilidh’s brother and furniture maker - and Dan Macaulay, their friend and stonemason. They broke ground in January 2022 and it took 18 months to complete, including battling through nine named storms.

Coachan na Creige translates as ‘little quiet one by the rock’ and takes its name from the immediate landscape around the house. This beautiful description was developed with John Murray, Landscape Architect and author of ‘Reading The Gaelic Landscape’ and whose knowledge is a great source of inspiration to the practice.

Source: I Z A T  A R U N D E L L