In a remote spot in Scotland, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park, this Highlands cottage has been sensitively transformed from its crumbling original state into a contemporary retreat that does justice to the transformative location. Designed by architects Brown & Brown, the building balances modernity with heritage, creating a home that functions as both a large-scale sociable gathering space as well as a series of intimate dwellings for an extended family to escape to. 

In the first place, the dilapidated steading that stood beside the original structure was dismantled, with its stone repurposed for a new plinth to support a striking glass and timber extension. To ensure authenticity, the project even engaged in the reopening of a local quarry in order to source the same stone used in the original build, at the same time minimizing transport impact. 

A building that honors the region’s heritage, celebrates modernity, and fills the client’s brief, the Lower Tullochgrue house relies on timeless materials with modern design. The new extension, seamlessly integrated at the same level as the historic cottage, appears to float above the landscape as the terrain falls away beneath it, just one whimsical element of the project. Inside, the design carefully frames shifting perspectives of the surrounding wilderness—expansive social spaces open onto a generous terrace, while the master suite offers a more intimate view of the valley beyond. A contemporary home that places dual emphasis on material integrity and its deep connection to the landscape, it is a building of its environment. 

Photography © Dapple Photography