Dualchas were approached by a couple that had bought an old dilapidated whitehouse in the north west of Skye. The building had lost any of its original charm through the addition of inappropriate extensions. Our task was to restore its original character while creating a modern bright interior.
All extensions were demolished and much of the original stonework had to be rebuilt due to the poor quality of construction. The whole back wall was removed, which allowed us to open out the ground floor living room in to a new extension, where the kitchen and dining area is located. This is dramatically lit by patent glazing, with intimate views out the back to stonework and planting.
A limited palette of materials was chosen; Caithness granite in the ground floor, worktops and sills; oak to the upper floor, shelving and units. The oak staircase is enclosed by an oak panel wall into which an oak handrail is recessed. All the oak has been lightened using translucent white oil.
Oak is also used for the external cladding to the extension. The roof and the projected bay window are finished in lead. Building the extension in materials which contrast with the lime-washed stone walls means that the distinctive proportion of the original house is maintained. Further work to the outbuilding and garden will use the same materials so as to give a consistent aesthetic to the property.