Mannal House / Denizen Works

Architects: Denizen Works
Area: 240 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Gilbert McCarragher
Main Contractor: John MacKinnon Builders
Location: Isle of Tiree
Country: United Kingdom

Taigh Na Traigh or Mannal House, a residential building located on the Isle of Tiree, Scotland, provides an exceptional view east towards the mainland over Mull. This residential building, designed by Denizen Works, integrates with the agricultural remnants of the site, creating a unique architectural expression. The house is divided into two wings, with stone walls and gables framing the design. The main volume features a kitchen, dining area, and living space, while the bedroom wing includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Constructed from a bespoke timber SIPs kit, the house is highly insulated and heated by an air source heat pump, with exterior cladding inspired by local materials.

The site of Taigh Na Traigh, separated into two lots by the previous owner, includes various farm buildings, ruins, and a byre where the new house is situated.

The design of Mannal House is deeply influenced by the agricultural remnants, especially the ruins of the gabled byre. The house is divided into two wings and integrates seamlessly with the rebuilt stone walls. The house features two prominent gables; visitors enter through the stone gable into a courtyard garden that offers a framed view of Hynish and a row of lighthouse cottages designed by Alan Stevenson.

From the courtyard, the journey through the house leads to the negative of the stone gable, represented by three fixed glass panels. This design choice creates a dramatic focal point, evoking the sensation of standing on the prow of a ferry, close to the sea. The main volume of the house, almost cathedral-like in scale, includes the kitchen, utility space, dining area, and main sitting room, with the master suite, ensuite bathroom, dressing room, and study located above.

The bedroom wing, positioned at right angles to the main wing, contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with east-facing views that capture the morning sun and views out to sea. The ceilings in these rooms are subtly curved, contrasting with the low-pitched roof visible from the exterior.

Constructed from a bespoke timber SIPs kit, Mannal House is highly insulated and heated by an air source heat pump. The exterior cladding is inspired by the materials and forms found on Tiree, including stone walls, timber cladding, pebbledash render, and bitumen in both sheet and corrugated forms.