This project is inspired by the Neolithic Age standing stones found across Scotland. The ancient stones served as an observatory for the landscape, the seasons, and the sky. These sites became landmarks, and became important places of gathering. The project, although a modern, comfortable lodge, embodies these ancient ideals and strives to retain the elemental nature of the stones.

When you enter the brough, only the stones are visible from a distance. To the uninitiated, they are still a mystery – it is unclear whether these monoliths are contemporary or even human-made. As you approach, the mystery continues to unravel. A few doors and windows are revealed. At the centre, one of the stones is cracked open, inviting you in. You descend into the earth. As you pass the vestibule and reception, the interior opens up into an incredible panorama of the ocean.

ENERGY STRATEGIES

The building is placed on the site facing mainly southwest. This takes advantage of sun and wind, gaining solar heat and using passive ventilation to reduce active heating and cooling loads. The ‘stones’ have skylights placed strategically for the best solar heat gain. the hearth has a secondary function as a solar chimney to improve passive ventilation. the majority of the program is under the large green roof. In addition, about half of the exterior walls have an earth berm against it.

High-efficiency mechanical equipment is used to reduce heating and cooling loads. The mechanical room is placed strategically near the center of the building to minimize losses. For ventilation, the distribution is optimized along the two central corridors. The radiant heating system is split into logical zones that can tweaked individually. Some program only required heat from adjacent heated program, such as the circulation spaces.