Lotte Glob House and Studio
Lotte Glob is a Danish ceramic artist whose practice is closely identified with the wilderness landscape in North-West Scotland. She commissioned a living and working space that would enable her to integrate her practice, her business and her lifestyle. She stipulated that the design should be affordable and context-sensitive, as well as complementing her aesthetic vision and reflecting her passion for the light across the hills of Sutherland. The 110 m² dwelling comprises a large multi-purpose double-height living/sleeping/eating space oriented towards to the south, that can house exhibitions, and a compact service space at the north. The construction is a timber post and beam structure, sitting lightly on the earth, with a linear plan with a curved roof clad with patinated copper sheets. The external walls are clad with untreated Scottish oak shiplap boarding designed to silver with age. The east and west elevations use narrow and linear pocket windows aligned to the sunrise and sunset. The south elevation is fully glazed with a timber deck which is projected out into the air, looking directly towards Ben Hope across Loch Eriboll.
On completion of the house, Lotte asked the architect to design a studio where she could work that would adhere to the same principles of affordability and sensitivity to both landscape and her aesthetic vision. The studio needed to be embedded within the contours of the landscape, reflecting the local vernacular architecture in Sutherland, such as traditional croft buildings and agricultural sheds, which harmouniously settle into the landscape. The 60 m² studio space comprises a double-height internal working and exhibition space with a large, partially-covered paved terrace oriented towards to the south, and a compact service space facing west.
Roofed with rust-coloured corrugated iron and finished internally with local pine boarding, the external construction is blockwork faced with reclaimed stone. The internal structure is insulated timber framing, finished with plywood. Very large sliding glazed doors allow the studio space to spill out onto the terrace and give views of Ben Hope and Loch Eriboll. Long, narrow linear windows puncture the north rear wall which creates the potential for illuminating sculpture and interior space. Internally it is shelved with laminated timber, supporting and displaying the artworks. Two wing walls at west and east create a frame for an evolving sculpture garden, sited between the studio and Loch Eriboll.
Materials were chosen that would weather in colour and texture, ageing gracefully with changes in the seasons. Equally important was the visual contrast and formal juxtaposition of rough-sawn shiplap cladding, contrasting with the highly controlled precision of engineered laminated timber structure. Both designs incorporate local materials wrought by the local workforce
In five years, inspired by her creativity and determination, she has transformed an area of barren windblown rocks into a landmark where people can visit and be inspired both by the monumental nature of the landscape and by Lottes own sculptural artworks created in response to it.