The Watershed, Lochdon

The intention was to build a family holiday home that could be rented out for others to enjoy. Frequent childhood holidays to Ardnamurchan and Mull, were the catalyst for finding a site on Mull, that could be both a design challenge and at the same time a means to re-live that formative experience. Dual planning applications were submitted for one and two houses as the brief evolved. The simple twin peaked house looks out through a picture window framing panoramic views across an ever changing seascape and mountains beyond. The corrugated metal-clad timber framed building, references the vernacular of the tin-roofs that replaced the thatch of the old black houses. The house and grp decking are constructed on screw piles, avoiding the use of concrete in the peaty ground touchin
he ground lightly. The Watershed fills a gap in the village crescent, while at the same time offering a sense of isolation with unimpeded views over the loch. Ascending the steps or gentle ramp you enter the house off the expansive deck. The galley kitchen/ dining area immediately opens into the living space which is maximised . All corridors are eliminated with bedroom
oming directly off the main space. The visitor is immediately struck by the 'views seaward through the window wall. The rustic voluminous living space is enclosed by an interior lining of plywood and locally sourced Japanese larch. The twin peaked building clearly expresses the 'served and servant' functions that inform the design. The smaller roof houses the wet services and the larger roof the living accommodation with mezzanine storeroom and third family bedroom within the high volume.