Glasan

Isle of Skye

At only 45 square metres, Glasan asks how little space is needed to create a genuinely generous experience of Skye.

The retreat sits beside Achnacloich Bay on the Sleat peninsula. It needed to feel robust in an exposed coastal setting, yet warm, comfortable and precisely detailed inside.

A contemporary àirigh
The design draws on the Highland tradition of the àirigh, or shieling: a simple seasonal dwelling where everyday life was reduced to its essentials and shaped by land and weather.

Raised lightly above the ground on a steel platform, Glasan contains only what is needed to cook, eat, sleep, read and look out. The sleeping space is a contemporary box-bed, recessed into the plywood lining so it feels private without dividing the compact plan.

At the gable, a large glazed opening frames Achnacloich Bay and the Cuillin. Its sliding panel disappears into the wall, allowing the interior to open directly to the landscape.

Design and materials
A protective aluminium skin is contrasted with an interior lined almost entirely in oiled birch-faced plywood. The panels, doors and built-in furniture are carefully aligned with the large-format floor tiles, making the room read as one coherent piece of joinery.

A simple timber frame, sheep’s-wool insulation and a highly insulated envelope combine low-energy performance with a restrained palette of aluminium, birch, glass and tile.

Glasan carries forward the economy, shelter and close relationship with nature found in traditional Highland buildings without reproducing their appearance.

What guests say
“The design is exceptional and creates a very special atmosphere that feels both inspiring and incredibly relaxing... For any design and architecture lover this is a must!”

Pietro
Airbnb, July 2026

Awards and recognition
Scottish Design Awards 2025
Silver Award, Low Cost Project Schemes Under £250k