An Architects’ Laboratory: A Self-Built Cottage in the Scottish Highlands
by Alexa Hotz
In the conservation village of Plockton, on the shores of Loch Carron in the Scottish Highlands, architects Colin and Megan Baillie of Baillie Baillie Architects completed a compact holiday house that reinterprets the traditional Highland crofters’ cottage through a low-tech, plastic-free approach. Called Iorram, the 410-square-foot self-build occupies a tight infill site and takes its cues from the practical logic of rural buildings: thick walls, clay plaster, and local timber.
The cottage is built with monolithic clay block walls finished in lime harling and clay plaster. Locally felled Highland Douglas fir is used throughout, from the exposed structure to the interior walls and custom joinery, while leftover offcuts were repurposed into mortise-and-tenon doors and cabinetry. Despite its modest footprint, Iorram is unexpectedly generous. With spare interiors and a considered palette, the project also served as something of a laboratory for the architects—an opportunity to test ideas about craftsmanship, material sourcing, and a more direct approach to building.
Photography by Jim Stephenson for Baillie Baillie, except where noted.
Above: Loch Carron on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.
Above: The designated conservation village of Plockton. Photograph by Marcus Quigley for Baillie Baillie.
Above: In 2001 when Colin and Megan relocated from Glasgow to Plockton, the opportunity came through to buy a small plot of land in the village. They built a family home for themselves and Iorram, a holiday let on the same plot. Photograph by Murray Orr for Baillie Baillie.
Above: A wider view of Iorram within the local landscape. Photograph by Murray Orr for Baillie Baillie.
Above: Detail of the aluminum clad roof and drain pipes; an entry door is made of Douglas fir offcuts. Photograph by Murray Orr for Baillie Baillie.
Above: Clay block construction was implemented without plastics, membranes, or cavities—with lime harling on the outside and clay plaster within. A Hans Wegner CH44 Lounge Chair, rattan end table, and jute area rug. The lamp is an Original 1227 Floor Lamp from Anglepoise.
Above: A layout marked by vintage oak furniture—from seating and a farmhouse table to sideboard storage. A linen pendant lamp hangs above. The wall lights are a Remodelista favorite, Thomas Hoof Lisilux Wall Lights.
Above: A single large east-facing window is angled to catch the low morning sun and frame sweeping view of the bays.
Above: The architects worked with local carpenter Chris Richards on bespoke cabinetry and MGS Joinery on the main joinery in the project.
Above: Leading from the central living and kitchen room into the bathroom, a material palette is anchored by Douglas fir and Floors of Stone Terracotta Square Tiles.
Above: The architects designed a light well above the bath to bring verticality into the small space. The bath tile are two colors of Potters Glaze Tiles from Claybrook Studio (Leach and Rye).
Above: The bathroom has a cabin-like feel with a compact wash basin, an Armitage Shanks Belfast Sink, and storage set into the walls themselves.
Above: A glass door to the bedroom serves as light source, with curtains that hang on a plane tucked into the rafters. The bed lines are all from Toast with a natural duvet and pillows from Woolroom.
Above: Iorram can be book for short stays through Airbnb.
For more Scottish architectural projects, see our posts:
10 Easy Pieces: Glass Water Carafes
by Alexa Hotz
A simple water carafe is a necessity on the nightstand—especially one with a glass that acts as carafe topper to keep water fresh and clean clean while you slumber. Here are 10 options to help you get your daily water intake morning and night.
Above: The Clear Velasca Carafe is handmade in Italy; it’s on sale for $94 (final sale) from Obakki.
Above: The Ferm Living Ripple Carafe Set is $59 from 2Modern.
Above: A color option: The borosilicate glass Gry Mattr Tinted Glass Carafe Set comes in five hues, including Pool (shown); it’s $34 from Anthropologie.
Above: The Toyo Sasaki Glass Night Carafe Set is available in three hues; $100 from Jinen.
Above: The J’ai Soif Carafe with Glass is available in a slew of colorways at Maison Balzac.
Above: On the splurgier end, the Lobmeyr Night Carafe is $298 from Neue Galerie.
Above: The Ichendorf Torre Night Carafe Set is $62 from Jung Lee NY.
Above: The Nickey Kehoe Carafe With Glass is $48.
Above: The Sugahara Night Carafe, shown in Indigo, is $138 at Tortoise General Store.
Above: And a budget version: The Clear Glass Bedside Carafe and Cup Set is on sale for $9.98 from World Market.
For more bedside essentials, see our posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Wood Bedside Tables
- 10 Easy Pieces: Wall-Mounted Bedside Shelves with Drawers
- Remodeling 101: Bedside Lighting
- 10 Easy Pieces: Diffused Glow Bedside Lamps
N.B.: This post was originally published on January 11, 2013. We have updated it with new product selections and current pricing.
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