The Edge: Scotland

The Edge: Scotland

The Edge: a one of a kind property perched on the brink of a 40m high cliff above the sea along the Scottish Riviera. It is a bespoke, gravity-defying, sanctuary heated by solar and air source technology with breathtaking 240 degree panoramic views and an exceptional response to the stunning location and an exacting client brief.

The Edge is unique due to the:

- Individual and original brief

- Design, construction, logistical and safety challenges of the compact clifftop site

- Protected status of the surroundings ensuring an exceptionally high degree of privacy and the opportunity to be at one with the natural environment

- Opportunities of this matchless, south facing site

- Design incorporating PassivHaus principles and PassivHaus institute approved materials to achieve 17.2kw/m2 per annum

- Award winning International style modernist architecture: one of a kind in this locality (http://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/3702)

- A sustainable, innovative approach to the pursuit of a Mediterranean lifestyle in Scotland: a location not usually associated with outdoor living.

- Hi-end, luxury specification

- Exciting architectural features: glass walk-way, large first floor balcony, internal glass light well, tranquillity pool and a 16m wall of glass

- Flexibility: Functions as a light filled, family coastal home, an glamorous cliff top social/entertaining base or a luxurious and spacious sanctuary for two

- A practical, family/children/dog friendly home

- Sympathetically landscaped, low maintenance grounds

BRIEF

The clients divide their time between the UK and sailing in warmer climes due to a passion for the sea, wildlife and the natural environment. They value a relationship with the elements and the endless horizon, and relate to the low impact, barefoot, out-doors lifestyle powered by wind and solar. The brief was to translate the spirit, and experience of this lifestyle into their new home by creating year round, sustainable, outdoor living in a luxury, low maintenance, naturally inspired, flexible living space which provides them and their family a platform from which to experience nature. The aim was to create a luxurious sanctuary with privacy and security.

SITE AND CONTEXT

The clients identified with the excitement and potential of this sought after, but challenging site: situated on the brink of a 420 million year old cliff with unparalleled views, it is surrounded by ancient oak woodland, an RSPB reserve, a SSSI and in a National Scenic Area: Idyllic whilst compact - the only level area was the footprint of a former dwelling.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

“Less is more”: the belief in the influence of ‘style’ on quality of life. As, with well-executed design, simplicity equates to class, the client brief was for minimalist luxury to make the best use of space, with fittings and materials that were aesthetically pleasing but practical to accommodate dogs and children.

APPROACH AND EXECUTION

The concept is of a ‘floating’ structure: expressed in the cantilevered first floor; a 3m high glass wall; and internal design elements including floating stairs and central island. This innovative approach: maximized the compact site; generates excitement: (as the first floor appears to extend to the edge) and allows internal spaces to flow into external spaces on the ground floor creating the illusion of outdoor living. A palette of oak, weatherboard, white render and stainless steel respect the surroundings whilst developing the marine theme.

The Edge incorporates:

Eco credentials: An imaginative amalgam of ICFs, SIPs and steel frame, this property incorporates cutting edge and PassivHaus certified materials, fundamental PassivHaus design principles, energy efficient construction and technology to ensure sustainability into the future. A constant ambient temperature with low energy consumption and running costs is achieved through: south facing solar thermal store; on-site heat generation (Solar DHW); efficient electricity conversion (6.5KW ASHP: COP 4.1); heat recycling (whole house MHRV unit); and triple-glazed windows which enable t-shirt/bare-foot living.

Multigenerational: Flexible living spaces mean that the property will evolve throughout the lifetime of the clients. Ostensibly a spacious home for two The Edge’s flexible 231m2 has five bedrooms accommodating 10 people.

Eco AND glamour: The Edge competes with eco builds yet showcases the simplicity and clarity of form and glamour of International style modernist architecture. Described by a leading lifestyle magazine editor as “Contemporary coastal chic at it’s best” The Edge both glamorous and sustainable.

Bespoke design: Synergy is achieved by the architectural, interior and garden design bearing the signature of a single designer. The design concept focuses on the relationship between internal and external elements to create an impression of ‘floating’ and extend indoor spaces outside, adding serenity and a feeling of total openness.

High specification finishes: Inspired by the natural world and specified for sustainability, aesthetic appeal and durability these including: limestone, slate, basalt, oak and carbonised bamboo. The aim was to inspire, and to create luxury through understated simplicity.

Technology assisted living: Digital mood lighting, intelligent lighting system, wi-fi connectivity, servodrive automated drawer opening to kitchen, 3D home cinema with surround sound.

Privacy and security: For such an accessible property the Edge has an exceptionally high degree of privacy. Security is paramount with Internet accessed 24 hour CCTV, automatic security lighting, automated entrance gate with intercom, maglock security locking, push button/swipe card entry and triple glazing.

Amenity: Inspired by the location the garden is composed of rooms, each with it’s own personality and function: sculptural driftwood garden; sweeping oak deck; lawned contemplation space; Mediterranean courtyard with fire pit and water feature; and a treetop boardwalk leading to a hot tub and outdoor kitchen area. There is private access to a route to the shore below. The Edge has a Scottish Links golf club, world-class mountain bike trails, coastal, forest and beach walks, sailing and watersports on the doorstep.

Excitement: The challenges of the location were overcome through innovative cantilever engineering, meticulous research, professional investigation and site safety. The result is seemingly gravity defying whilst maximising the stunning location.

The Edge is unique in that it truly embodies the idea that you can have it all.