The Rising is a contemporary one-bedroom retreat designed by MacArc, specifically crafted for couples seeking an exceptional escape in the Scottish Highlands. This unique property is situated just outside of Tongue, along the iconic NC500 route, offering an ideal location for those looking to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region. Covering an area of 52 m² (560 ft²), The Rising features a sleek exterior constructed from Shou-Sugi-Ban charred timber, providing both style and privacy. The design emphasizes uninterrupted views of the rugged northern landscapes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. The house was carefully built by the owner, who oversaw every part of the construction process, from the groundwork to the framing, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship. Inside, the retreat is thoughtfully designed with architect-designed spaces that maximize natural light. The interior includes a fully equipped kitchen, enabling guests to prepare their own meals, and a cozy lounge area perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring the breathtaking landscapes. For outdoor enjoyment, the property boasts a decking area where guests can take in the stunning views while soaking in a sunken bath, enhancing the overall experience of tranquility and connection with nature. Project credits Architects: MacArc Photography: Nick Law & Neil Uprichard Location: Sutherland, Scotland

"Tucked away in a remote and rugged part of the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, the Culardoch Shieling is a small mountain hut designed by London and Aberdeenshire-based firm Moxon Architects. The 47-square-meter hut is a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Scottish farming crofts, shepherd's shelters, and Swiss Alpine shacks. It was commissioned by art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who sought a private, remote space on their estate for entertaining guests. The design is a clever blend of regional vernacular architecture and 20th-century modernism. Its monolithic, wooden form draws inspiration from the simple aesthetic of local livestock buildings, while its irregular, strategically placed windows are reminiscent of Le Corbusier's iconic Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp. These irregularly cut apertures precisely frame specific features of the surrounding landscape, including the granite tors of Ben Avon and a bend in the River Gairn. Constructed almost entirely from timber, the shieling (Gaelic for ""hut"") was designed to minimize its impact on the terrain. The structure features a simple cruck frame with deep, overhanging eaves. The roof is camouflaged with a layer of heather, moss, and stone gathered from the local hillsides, helping it blend into the moorland and providing additional insulation. The cozy interior is lined with spruce and features a long, communal dining table, a prominent wood-burning stove for heating, and subtle modern details like a suspended iron shelf for candles. The project was completed in 2016 and received several awards, including the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Forestry Commission for Scotland Award in 2017. Project credits Architects: Moxon Architects Photography: Ben Addy Main Contractor: AJC Aboyne Project Manager: Fowler Fortescue Structural Engineer: Graeme Craig Consulting Engineers Ltd Quantity Surveyor: McCue & Porter Manufacturers: Velux Group, Glenalmond Timber, Tor Contracting"

"Tinhouse is a holiday cottage on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, designed and self-built by Rural Design founders Alan Dickson and Gill Smith. The 70-square-meter house is situated on a steeply sloping site on the island's northwestern tip, with panoramic views over the Minch strait to the Outer Hebrides. The project was conceived as a year-round rental property, and it has garnered architectural awards and recognition, including being named the best holiday house for couples in the UK by The Sunday Times. The design is a contemporary take on the utilitarian agricultural sheds commonly found in the Scottish Highlands. The gabled house is clad entirely in corrugated, mill-finished aluminum sheeting, which provides durable protection against the region's frequent, fierce storms. The architects chose materials and a design that enabled much of the construction to be completed by a single person, celebrating the tradition of rural self-build projects. Recycled materials were incorporated where possible, including using leftover timber for built-in beds and seats, and offcuts for bedside tables. Inside, the interior contrasts with the rugged exterior by creating a character that is both modern and rustic. Simple materials like concrete floors, plywood joinery, and timber wall paneling create a tranquil backdrop. Vibrant pops of color, inspired by the surrounding landscape—such as fuchsia wildflowers, grass green, and sunset orange—are featured in the furnishings. Despite minimal window openings on the external facade, a strategic horizontal window on the north elevation provides a ""hide"" to observe the sea and landscape in all weather conditions. Credits Architects: Rural Design Design and construction team: Alan Dickson, Gill Smith Photography: David Barbour External wall and roof cladding: Rigidal Aluminium Sheeting Windows: Rationel Floor: Bradstone Panache Paving Slabs Timber supply: Caley Timber Insulation: Knauf Kitchen: Kirkwood Kitchens"