Designed by, and for, Isle of Skye practice Rural Design, Tinhouse occupies a secluded position above Loch Pooltiel on the island’s west coast. Completed in 2013, the one-bedroom house takes cues from the Scottish Hebridean landscape, pairing a sharply pitched aluminium exterior with a restrained palette of timber, concrete and colour drawn from the grasses, mosses and coastal vegetation. It was shortlisted for the Royal Incorporation of British Architects Awards and won an Inverness Architectural Association award for Best Small Project.
Photography: courtesy of the Modern House
Photography: courtesy of the Modern House
Photography: courtesy of the Modern House
The compact plan is organised around a double-height living space open to the roofline, where timber-framed windows wrap around two sides of the room, framing views across the water towards the Outer Hebrides. A wood-burning stove anchors the interior, while large skylights draw additional light into the space. Bespoke plywood cabinetry by Perthshire maker Birkwood forms the kitchen, which sits beneath a blue glass splashback and Silestone worktop.
The bedroom occupies the opposite side of the entrance porch, with large glazed doors opening directly towards the landscape. In the bathroom, green and white tiles echo the colours outside, while a bath has been positioned beneath a window overlooking the coast.
Set within a traditional crofting community, the house is surrounded by heather, grasses and dramatic volcanic scenery. Two terraces extend the living spaces outdoors, taking in uninterrupted views across Loch Pooltiel and towards the Atlantic horizon.
Tinhouse is listed for offers over £315,000 via The Modern House.
