Taigh Sonas Kippford House, South West Scotland Property, Building, New Scottish Residence Design
Taigh Sonas, Kippford House
Contemporary Scottish Home in Dumfries and Galloway – design by Simon Winstanley Architects
4 Oct 2016
Taigh Sonas, Kippford Home
Location: Taigh Sonas, Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway, South West Scotland
Photos: Andrew Lee Photographer
Design: Simon Winstanley Architects
Taigh Sonas, Kippford

This house is sited in a rectangular natural hillside plot accessed off the main road into Kippford on the Solway Coast. Principal views range between the south-west and north-east enjoying a spectacular landscape setting of the River Urr valley and hills beyond.

It was our intention was to create a contemporary house which responds to the slope of the site over three levels to capture scenic views, and in doing so being sustainable in its construction and have very low energy consumption.
Our sustainable strategy uses a galvanised steel frame for the primary structure, with highly insulated timber frame panels clad in cedar weatherboarding at upper levels, weathering to a natural silver grey colour to complement the hues of the lower level stone walls. The roof finish is pre-weathered grey standing seam zinc. Windows and external doors are triple glazed high performance timber.

A primary steel structure was essential because of the large spans involved, and heavy floor loading for pre-cast units. Galvanising was chosen for long term protection, even...