The Summer House

Ode to summer

On the Isle of Lewis, an old Mission hall has undergone a transformation into a quirky two-bed family summer house. Fiona and Duncan Porteous of Porteous Architecture took inspiration from the island’s traditional ‘Airidhs’, which were dwellings where communities would live during the summer months.

Dramatic curve

While the Mission hall had thick concrete walls and small windows, the Porteous’ used lightweight timber framing, wood cladding and bright red corrugated iron coupled with large glazed areas to recreate the vibrant creative spirit of the Airidh. These materials lent themselves to the dramatic curved forms that were created.

Durability, flexibility and warmth

Timber is a key feature of the aesthetic of this summer house. Russwood Scotlarch® vertical board on half board cladding covers the main form of the house, whilst the dramatic curved elements and roof are clad in Siberian Larch rainscreen. The material was ideal in that it provided the right blend of durability, flexibility and warmth. 

Our experience with Russwood was an enjoyable one. Russwood are professional and experts in their field. The knowledge and the options discussed were invaluable in an ever-moving brief. There were many in depth questions, from species use and durability to life time fire protection and Russwood were always on hand to deliver the required information to enhance the finalised product.

Porteous Architecture