On a tight plot at the edge of a steep river bank, this private and hidden ‘secret’ house takes in breathtaking views across Brig o’ Balgownie and Aberdeen. 

This detached family home is designed to turn its back to the road, and face the quiet riverside, towards the wide city views. Using a restrained palette of materials, including internal oiled oak timber linings and black painted larch, helps the house sit quietly in its semi-urban setting.

The complicated engineering works required to build on such a tight and steep site, edging a sheer drop to the river, informed the stepped and cantilevered form of the building. Essentially shaped from two blocks, with social family spaces in the lower form, and private spaces in the higher, each benefits from sweeping views from the elevated site. Integrated into the design of the house is an oak lined DJ room, and the ability to convert the two storey internal wall into a rock-climbing wall.