Torridon, a locale nestled in the rugged wilderness of Scotland, now houses a unique and minimalist residence – Diabeg. This architecture, skillfully crafted by Dualchas Architects, stands testament not only to the past, but to the seamless integration of history with contemporary design.
Diabeg occupies a site that's steeped in history. Until 1912, a crofthouse stood on the premises, until the ravages of time saw one end either dismantled or crumbled. The remaining structure, a patchwork of stone and corrugated iron, served a humble purpose as a shelter for sheep. Dualchas Architects, however, saw potential in the ruin and embarked on an ambitious project to craft a modern dwelling imbued with echoes of the past.
The new design proposes a two-bedroom residence that's divided into two distinct wings, each serving a unique purpose. One wing is intended to house the master bedroom, while the other encompasses the primary living spaces and an additional bedroom. Connecting these two wings is a frameless glass link, a contemporary design element that ensures both wings are independent yet harmoniously integrated.
At the heart of this design solution lies a commitment to preserving the historical aesthetic of the existing ruin. The architects have meticulously planned to either restore the existing stonework or deconstruct it to rebuild, depending on which option proves the most economical. The deteriorating rusted metal roof of the old structure is set to be replaced with a new corrugated steel corten roof, a choice inspired by the desire to reflect the original color and texture.
The living wing of Diabeg offers a mirror image of the existing ruin's section. However, a slight offset has been implemented to ensure each wing can be independently appreciated. The living wing, planned to be clad in untreated larch rainscreen for both the walls and roof, promises a muted tone that contrasts sharply with the light stone and rusty red roof of the ruin.
The use of frameless glass to link the two wings provides an interesting architectural element. It accentuates the division between the two structures while permitting the house to appear as two discrete gabled forms. The juxtaposition of the historical and contemporary design elements instills a sense of character that is undeniably unique to Diabeg.
