Nestled next to the forest, on rising ground with far-reaching views, is the Cullachie of Rymore croft house that offers a time capsule to the past. The small cottage is distinguished by its deep granite walls with minimal apertures to the outside world and a rusty metal roof that complements the earthy tones of the surrounding landscape. Our proposal brings the derelict croft back to life alongside a new build home that grows out of the Cairngorms landscape.
To preserve the character of the historic croft and celebrate its charm, our proposal includes minimal intervention to the surviving building. The modest structure will be refurbished to create a single space for hosting dances and cinema nights for the remote community, reviving its former life as an informal ceilidh house.
The new build dwelling is located to the rear of the site where it serves as a backdrop to the original croft house.
The resultant ‘T’ shaped footprint allows the new house to capitalise on the expansive views across the Highlands.
To embed the architecture within the sloping landscape, the new build form will step with the existing ground. You enter at the lowest point and move gradually up through the building, culminating in the first-floor office that will be perched above the main roof. This office will provide panoramic views back towards the croft house, rowan tree, forest and distant munro.
The design has been developed with a careful attention to the history, myths and natural features of the site. Through framed views and subtle references, the scheme will reveal stories of the rowan tree, hidden shoe and past life as the home of a traditional Scottish fiddler.
