August 8 2022

Architect Aiden Junor is set to break ground this November on a private home from home at Bunavoneader on the Isle of Harris.

Currently working for Fern + Birch Junor drew up plans for the remote two-bedroom getaway as a personal project in his spare time after being inspired by Ginkakudo, a Kyoto coffee shop he visited in 2019.

The 105sq/m property draws its dark aesthetic from an ink-dyed concrete and stone black aggregate floor, a fitting match for the dark stone and stormy skies which characterise the site.

In a design statement, Junor wrote: "Sandwiched between a new glulam and turf roofed house to the south and an early “kit house” cottage to the north, there is no immediate vernacular to the area. The proposed house will create a sheltered area for the bedrooms and bathrooms to the east - protecting them from weather coming off Clisham.

"In respecting the wider vernacular and complementing local farm buildings whilst adding a modern element the proposed building features black painted horizontal timber cladding with a flat roof. The only departure from the immediate surrounding architecture is the use of full-height glazing. The choice of black cladding is taken from the colours of Clisham and echos the stormy skies that often surround it along with the dark stone that is visible across the area."

Oriented to take advantage of open aspects across a whaling station at Loch Bun Abhainn-eadar the floor-to-ceiling glazing is set within a deep decked area to afford protection from the prevailing westerly winds. 

15 Comments

#1 Posted by Fern + Birch on 8 Aug 2022 at 12:08 PM

more images can be seen at Daniel Cardno's website.
danielcardno.com



Thanks
fernandbirch.co.uk

#2 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 8 Aug 2022 at 14:54 PM

Forest Gump design vibe -- life is a box of chocolates ...

File under 2001 -- A Space Oddity.

Strange things happen when a black box lands on an unsuspecting landscape.

Interesting but a bit stark and severe.

#3 Posted by modernish on 8 Aug 2022 at 16:51 PM

The DAS says -
"The design of various parts of the house were sketched on paper to work out the optimum layout and relationship of spaces. The section shows the idea for the relationship spaces and ceiling heights internally."
The good news is that paper was used and sketching involved; well done. The bad news is that, unfortunately, sketching didn't extend to the section or elevations. The section shows a flat roof. A flat roof, in this location...just let that, like the rain, sink in!!!

#4 Posted by Hey look at me! I'm a box in a landscape! on 8 Aug 2022 at 18:44 PM

Deus ex machina yet again. It never fails.
The trouble is, the Western Isles must have the highest density of this type of building solution in the whole wide world. Meh.

#5 Posted by Lets All Just Moan on 10 Aug 2022 at 19:50 PM

#3 The good news is that a keyboard was used and typing involved; well done. The bad news is that, unfortunately, typing didn't extend to actual humour or useful discussion. You have heard of roofing membrane?

#6 Posted by bah-bah-bah on 10 Aug 2022 at 22:34 PM

#3 you do know that 'flat' roofs are not actually flat right?

#7 Posted by modernish on 12 Aug 2022 at 14:02 PM

@6 - read the drawings, the DAS and the report of handling. It looks pretty blooming flat and that's how they all describe it. Even a degree or two pitch here will be tricky given the amount of rain in the location, Harris is one of the wettest parts of the UK.
@5 - roof membrane, yes more than happy to agree that is an option. Although you should have said 'heard about' rather than 'heard of'; you're welcome. The point i was trying to make, and apologies if it wasn't as eloquent as you might have liked, is that a flat roof (even if it's a degree or two, which isn't shown but lets be generous) isn't a particularly appropriate solution, in my opinion, for one of the wettest parts of the UK. That was the discussion part, sorry if that went over your head but i don't think i can put it any simpler.

#8 Posted by Voice of reason on 12 Aug 2022 at 14:24 PM

Nice renders though, must be said.

#9 Posted by bah-bah-bah on 12 Aug 2022 at 21:48 PM

#3/7. Section A-A (Drawing 06) of the application shows a typical flat roof assembly complete with a continuous parapet around the perimeter. Assuming a single shallow pitch, it will of course look flat when drawn as a section in its long direction. Had the section been drawn parallel with the direction of the slope then you would see it. It makes sense to slope the roof in its shorter direction to lessen the build up of the overall roof assembly. A 1/4" : 1' slope (approx 2degrees) is the acceptable standard for roofs over habitable space and works perfectly adequately when paired with sufficient rainwater outlets regardless of the volume of rain. For added peace of mind, visual tell-tale/overflow outlets can be installed to indicate the blockage of the main rain water leaders from debris.

#10 Posted by Outraged individual on 13 Aug 2022 at 21:50 PM

What's wrong with a village. Who wants to live permanently in these homes in the middle of nowhere.

#11 Posted by standards dear boy. on 14 Aug 2022 at 12:17 PM

#9 2degrees? Best have a gander at the new standards as you're well off requirements.

#12 Posted by bah-bah-bah on 15 Aug 2022 at 06:38 AM

#11 Depends where you are in the world. But 1/4":1' (approx 2 degrees) is the international standard for water to run off on a flat roof. Previously in Scotland BS 6229, stated that flat roofs should be designed with minimum falls of 1:40 (a touch over 2 degrees) to ensure a finished fall of 1:80 (less than 2 degrees) can be achieved, allowing for any inaccuracies in the construction but maybe something has changed?

#13 Posted by Fair Trade Charlie on 15 Aug 2022 at 08:13 AM

#10 Mostly existing residents who are unable to afford a home as a result of there being too many homes from home.

#14 Posted by modernish on 15 Aug 2022 at 09:31 AM

@9 and 11 - really? the internal section steps down from front to back, it would be pretty perverse to form a nominal pitch at 90 degrees to that. Also the plan is pretty much square so any additional height at the 2 degrees you suggest is negligible.
But bickering about a degree or two really isn't the point...a flat (or almost flat roof) in one of the wettest parts of the UK just isn't the optimal solution.

#15 Posted by modernish on 15 Aug 2022 at 09:33 AM

@10 and 13 - is a 'getaway' a permanent home?

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