Location
Loch Ness
Project Type
Residential
Status
Complete
Dores Housing
The opportunity to develop new housing for the community of Dores, located on the banks of Loch Ness, presented a unique and exciting design challenge. From the outset, the strategy was to respond carefully to the rural context and the exceptional landscape setting, ensuring that the development would sit comfortably within its surroundings while making the most of the outstanding views and surrounding countryside.
Rather than adopting a conventional suburban layout, the design approach considered the site as a place-led rural setting. The arrangement of the houses was developed in an informal manner, allowing the buildings themselves to inform the alignment of the road and shared spaces. This approach enabled the creation of a more organic, place-centred layout that reflects the character of the landscape and fosters a strong sense of community.
The proposal includes 17 homes made up of a mix of house types, providing variety and flexibility within the development. Materials have been carefully selected to give the buildings a clear identity and to reinforce the character of the setting, helping the development feel rooted in its environment.
Internally, the homes have been designed so that primary living spaces face outward towards the surrounding views, rather than focusing solely on the street in a conventional manner. This approach not only strengthens the relationship between the houses and the landscape, but also results in a robust and efficient layout that balances architectural quality with practical construction and delivery.
