An architectural lake cabin has appeared on the banks of Loch Venachar at Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Coorie, a holiday home designed by Glasgow studio Cameron Webster, is a project led by owners Dene and Debbie Happell, who decided to create the perfect nature retreat on their idyllic waterside plot.
The structure, clad in dark timber in a low, gently angular form, blends happily with its forested surrounds, and indeed the word ‘coorie‘ can mean ‘nestle’. At the same time, the strong lines and geometric volumes bring the composition into the 21st century. The house has been arranged in an upside-down way – featuring bedrooms on the ground level and living spaces upstairs, making sure the long, green views are visible from key social parts of the house. An open-plan luxury living, dining and kitchen area with a covered balcony and built-in window seat nook sit at the heart of this space. A warm yet dramatic, dark staircase takes guests down to the bedrooms, setting the mood for a cosier, more private atmosphere.
‘Whether cooried up in the window seat with a good book after an invigorating walk, relaxing on the balcony with a cocktail after a swim, or snuggled up in front of the wood-burning stove watching a movie, the house provides the best refuge to experience the great outdoors,’ say the Happells. ‘You can watch Scotland’s weather whilst being protected from it.’
The interior decor mixes midcentury modern designs and utilitarian touches, such as the industrial lighting, that make for a practical stay. Meanwhile, classic designs include Hans Wegner’s ‘Wishbone’ chairs, an Ercol dining table and Timorous Beasties fabrics.
Careful insulation plans ensured that this lake cabin needs little heating for the biggest part of the year. The home’s timber structure, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating, eco toiletries and wood-fired hot tub (with timber provided by local fallen trees), complete the project's strong eco credentials – which mean that this holiday house is as friendly as can be to its precious natural environment.
INFORMATION
-
Fluid workspaces: is the era of prescriptive office design over?We discuss evolving workspaces and track the shape-shifting interiors of the 21st century. If options are what we’re after in office design, it looks like we’ve got them
-
This collection of slow furniture is a powerful ode to timeA serene exhibition of David Dolcini's 'Time-made' collection has fast-tracked its place into our hearts and homes
-
Is the Pragma P1 the most sustainable watch yet?Geneva-based brand Pragma combines industrial design with real sustainable credentials
-
Are Derwent London's new lounges the future of workspace?Property developer Derwent London’s new lounges – created for tenants of its offices – work harder to promote community and connection for their users
-
Showing off its gargoyles and curves, The Gradel Quadrangles opens in OxfordThe Gradel Quadrangles, designed by David Kohn Architects, brings a touch of playfulness to Oxford through a modern interpretation of historical architecture
-
A Norfolk bungalow has been transformed through a deft sculptural remodellingNorth Sea East Wood is the radical overhaul of a Norfolk bungalow, designed to open up the property to sea and garden views
-
A new concrete extension opens up this Stoke Newington house to its gardenArchitects Bindloss Dawes' concrete extension has brought a considered material palette to this elegant Victorian family house
-
A former garage is transformed into a compact but multifunctional spaceA multifunctional, compact house by Francesco Pierazzi is created through a unique spatial arrangement in the heart of the Surrey countryside
-
A 1960s North London townhouse deftly makes the transition to the 21st CenturyThanks to a sensitive redesign by Studio Hagen Hall, this midcentury gem in Hampstead is now a sustainable powerhouse.
-
Manchester United and Foster + Partners to build a new stadium: ‘Arguably the largest public space in the world’The football club will spend £2 billion on the ambitious project, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described as the ‘world's greatest football stadium’
-
'Bold and unapologetic', this contemporary Wimbledon home replaces a 1970s house on siteThis grey-brick Wimbledon home by McLaren Excell is a pairing of brick and concrete, designed to be mysterious
