Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 103
The award-winning
Cuddymoss is a masterclass
in how to meld rustic charm
with modern living
When the team at Ann Nisbet Studio first conceived the concept behind Cuddymoss, the RIBA and
RIAS award-winning residential project, the vision was to create a ‘building within a ruin’. Located
high in the expansive, plateau moorlands of Ayrshire in Scotland, this project showcases how traditional
architecture and modern design elements can coexist in perfect harmony, with natural toplighting
solutions expertly provided by The Rooflight Co.
Honouring the past and evolving the new
For several hundred years, the original building served as
an agricultural dwelling. After being abandoned to the
elements for many years, the building became a ruin and
when the team at Ann Nisbet Studio became involved
it was a mere shell of four external stone walls and
debris-filled interiors.
Extensive measurement and research enabled the
architect’s team to create a visual evolution of the building
dating back to the early 1800’s. This gave rise to the
concept of an ‘intervention within the ruin’ where a timber framed building would be inserted into the existing
stone structure. In this way, the windows would be set
back, creating deep reveals, that visually encompass two
entities - the new and the old.
Perpendicular to the existing structure and connected by
a minimalistic, glass link is a new building, clad in timber,
creating additional living space. The glass corridor provides a space to pause and reflect, gazing across the
striking Ayrshire landscape.
The minimalistic design of Cuddymoss reveals the
deliberate care and clarity with which the original vision
has been executed. The expert execution of the fabric first
approach has resulted in triple glazed windows and
thermally efficient rooflights to balance warmth and ventilation throughout the property. The outcome is a tranquil private residence with a connection to the encircling
expanse of nature.
Bringing natural light in
To minimise alterations to the original stone walls, the
architecture team enlisted the support of The Rooflight
Co to integrate rooflights into the newly constructed
roofs, bringing natural light and ventilation throughout
the property. In a relatively unusual twist, the architect
chose both The Rooflight Co's Conservation Rooflights
and contemporary Neo® Rooflights to complement the
design, extending the concept of seamlessly blending old
and new.
Craftsmanship and purposeful design
The Rooflight Co's Original Conservation Rooflights, sit
flush into the roof, with the signature fine lines of the steel
framework honouring the heritage of the building and its
rural narrative. With internal features such as the
patented Thermoliner and carefully considered glazing
specification, the rooflights enhance the cohesion of a
heritage building with modern performance.
Meanwhile, the minimalistic Neo® Rooflights, with their
flush edge-to-edge glazing in the new building, echo the
look and feel of a sheet of glass and complement the
contemporary design of the glass corridor, supporting
design continuity throughout the property.
