This project reimagines a traditional stone cottage on the Isle of Jura, combining careful restoration with contemporary extensions to create a flexible home suited to modern rural living.

The proposal retains and thermally upgrades the existing cottage while introducing two lightweight additions: a sunroom and a utility wing. Designed as prefabricated structures to minimise disruption on the remote island site, the extensions are connected to the original building through simple timber-framed links assembled on site.

The architectural language draws from Jura's rural vernacular and working landscapes, pairing natural stone and timber with robust metal cladding inspired by local agricultural buildings. The result is a contemporary yet restrained intervention that respects the character of the existing cottage while improving comfort, energy performance and adaptability.

Every project begins by understanding the unique qualities of its setting. On the Isle of Jura, the landscape, climate and traditional building forms shaped every design decision. Careful analysis of the existing cottage and the surrounding rural context informed an approach that respects the island's architectural heritage while introducing contemporary additions that sit comfortably within it.

Understanding the client's aspirations was equally important. The brief focused on creating a home that could adapt to changing family needs while making the most of a compact footprint. Flexible layouts, efficient planning and carefully considered connections between old and new allow every space to work harder while maintaining the character of the original building.

Unlocking opportunity meant looking beyond extension alone. By combining sensitive refurbishment, improved thermal performance and off-site prefabrication, the proposal enhances the long-term performance of the home while reducing construction complexity on a remote site.

From concept design through planning, the project balanced architectural ambition with buildability, working within the practical constraints of island construction to develop a clear, robust proposal capable of moving efficiently towards delivery.

Residential Feasibility Studies

Concept Design

Planning Application Drawings

House Extension and Renovation

Design for Conservation Areas

Cottage Refurbishment

Sustainable Home Design and Retrofit