072 DIFFICULT SITES


Above The Magna Science Adventure Centre, an educational visitor attraction in Rotherham, is an example of a redundant industrial site being skilfully transformed into a cultural destination


Highlands. Te rugged, steep-sloping site, which overlooks Loch Nedd high up the west coast of Scotland, could only be reached via a steep and winding single track road that was unsuitable for large lorries. For the client, it was important that the building celebrate the natural beauty of the area while causing as little physical and visual disturbance as possible. Te two-bedroom, single-storey house was therefore carefully oriented to sit between two outcrops to avoid any rock breaking, while support stilts raising it off the ground averted the need for any ground bearing slabs. Because of the access challenges – not


to mention the extreme weather conditions in the Highlands – the structure was prefabricated by Carbon Dynamic, a pioneer in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly, modular off-site construction. Te size of the modules were determined by the type of vehicle that could reach the site from Inverness and, once delivered, the 13


While the


exhibition has its fair share of private homes, there are also large-scale architectural projects


sections were assembled in just four days. Te house is divided into three interlinking pods, encompassing the main living space, en-suite master bedroom and guest bedroom. Te exterior’s dark hues and minimalist design avoids competing with the dramatic landscape, while inside, the living and sleeping spaces are lined in pale timber. Designed with sustainability in mind, the house incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and high-efficiency heating system. With stunning views over the local landscape, it is an exemplary fusion of thoughtful design and environmental integration, feeling both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. While the exhibition has its fair share


of private homes (including a disused water tower in Norfolk converted into a luxury home by Tonkin Liu, and a rustic, late 19th-century Arts and Crafts cottage created by Ernest Gimson on a rocky Leicestershire hillside), there are also large-scale architectural projects such as Cornwall’s


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