Lochside House, a cottage designed by Haysom Ward Millar Architects, was chosen from a shortlist of seven projects to win the RIBA House of the Year prize.
Cambridge-based Haysom Ward Millar Architects designed the property as the home for a ceramic artist. Made up of three humble buildings, the house is crafted from natural materials that complement its scenic location.
Charred Scottish larch clads the building's exterior, which is shielded behind a traditional drystone wall. Inside is bright but pared-back, with highlights including ceilings lined in oiled timber, a focal fireplace and large windows framing views of the lake and mountains. The house is also off-grid – it produces its own electricity from solar panels, and sources clean water from its own borehole.
RIBA president Ben Derbyshire described the house as "the perfect addition to this dream landscape".
By containing its scale, sensitively positioning the crop of buildings on a promontory around established trees, and making use of local materials, the architects have created a home which perfectly responds to its exposed, unique location.
Architect: HaysomWardMiller Architects
Contractor: Spey Building and Joinery
Structural engineer: Peter Brett Associates
Quantity surveyor: Torrance Partnership
Energy consultant: EcoFirst Consult