Taigh Bainne House

When you’ve got views like the ones afforded to Taigh Bainne House from BARD Architects, you don’t need an abundant amount of space but they have really made the most of the space available with this exceptional piece of design in Scotland. This bothy ruin sits atop a raised plateau which overlooks the Prince’s beach, located some metres below a lay-by on the main road towards the Eriskay – Barra ferry slipway. It was here that, on 23rd July 1745, the young pretender Charles Edward Stuart made the first landfall in Scotland, prior to the second Jacobite uprisings.

Gloriously renovated, Taigh Bainne House from BARD Architects is a mighty impressive undertaking that really breathes new life into an ancient structure. BARD were commissioned to construct a house on the croft and there is a small valley between the main house and both structures, and there will be a visual connection between the main house and its satellite. The building is understated in concept and construction. BARD propose to retain the stone walls and to insert a new structure within with simple pitched roof. This roof, of Ballachulish slate, is partially hipped to the rear in order to reduce the visual impact from above.

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

Needless to say, Taigh Bainne House is an incredibly compact property though it has been carefully considered in regards to its arrangement and positioning of the living space. Entry is by way of a small external courtyard positioned to the rear of the stone ruins. A small area consisting of a shower room and kitchenette is situated at this area, the window for the shower room being inserted into an existing opening in the stonework.

The main space within Taigh Bainne House from BARD Architects is vaulted internally to enhance the spatial effect of the small space. The effort of multiple turns allows the crescendo of the view to be presented to visitors in a sequential manner and to a decidedly dramatic effect. The architects have inserted a roof light to allow morning light to enter the main space and to play on the surface of the solid gable adjacent to the stove.

The interplay of daylight will be mesmerising to watch across all the seasons at Taigh Bainne House in Scotland. BARD have designed a ledge at the open gable/corner to sit and contemplate one’s surroundings. The perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding, this small but perfectly formed property is a great example of what could be done with ruinous buildings across the world and help bring them back to life in style.

see more

Images: Alexander James-Aylin