House at King’s Cairn | Scotland, UK

Low profile

Located near the North Berwick coastline in Scotland, the residence engages directly with the surrounding environment. The low profile of the building ensures minimal visual impact, while its orientation captures optimal daylight and panoramic sea views. Outdoor spaces, including sheltered patios and the central courtyard, extend the living experience into the landscape. The project represents a contemporary interpretation of coastal domestic architecture – rooted in context, responsive to climate, and enduring in its simplicity.

Design Philosophy

The project explores the relationship between architecture, landscape, and the changing coastal environment. It was conceived as a low, courtyard-style residence that responds to the specific conditions of the site – its orientation, prevailing winds, and natural light. The design aims to provide shelter and openness simultaneously, offering framed views toward the sea while ensuring privacy and protection from the coastal climate.

Spatial Organization

The house is arranged around a central courtyard that forms the heart of the composition. This space acts as both a social and climatic core, mediating between the interior and exterior. Circulation occurs around the courtyard, linking the different wings of the residence and creating a rhythm of compression and expansion as one moves through the spaces. The organization of volumes promotes a dialogue between solid and void, light and shadow.

The plan divides the building into three main zones: living areas, private bedrooms, and service spaces. Each zone is connected visually and physically through glazed corridors that maintain transparency without sacrificing comfort. Open-plan living and dining areas extend toward terraces, allowing flexible use of space throughout the seasons. Finally, functional clarity is achieved through simple geometry and a coherent structural grid.

Material Palette & Sustainability

A refined palette of natural materials was selected to harmonize the building with its context. Natural timber, stone, and expansive glazing surfaces were combined to balance solidity and transparency. The tactile warmth of wood contrasts with the precision of metal details, while the stone base anchors the structure to the landscape. Sustainability was integral to the design, incorporating high-performance insulation, passive solar control, and locally sourced materials.