Black and Stone

: Doune

Black and Stone is a 210sqm four-bedroom home that reimagines a derelict stone cottage in the Scottish Highlands, blending contemporary timber-frame construction with the rugged charm of the original structure. Inspired by Nordic hytte design, the project creates a deep sense of place while embracing modern living.

The design retains the spirit of the ruined cottage by rebuilding in salvaged stone and integrating it into a new composition of five distinct black-timber gables. These forms respond to the rhythms of the landscape and the footprint of the old farm building, while also allowing for flexible interior spaces. Expansive first-floor windows frame views of the surrounding mountains, and oversized ground floor glazing is carefully aligned with the cottage’s historic openings, bridging old and new. The minimalist interior uses a natural palette and durable materials, creating a calm, timeless atmosphere. Environmental performance was a key driver: the house is heated via an air source heat pump, with high-performance insulation and a green roof that supports biodiversity and contributes to passive thermal performance. Local materials were prioritised, and construction waste was reduced through the reuse of site-won stone and a carefully managed build process. Black and Stone demonstrates that modern design can be both rooted in context and environmentally responsible. It’s a thoughtful, enduring home — one that respects history, connects to its landscape, and offers a quiet, confident alternative to pastiche rural architecture.