East Lothian
“Langskail” (a long house) is a new house in Gullane designed by Richard Murphy Architects for Graeme and Kim Ritchie. The project was finished in 2023. Graeme, Kim and Richard are all microlight pilots and met at nearby East of Scotland Microlights at East Fortune.
The site is a detached section of a former garden and the single storey house is placed in the north-east corner of the site so as not to conflict with the root-ball of any significant trees, to be as unobtrusive to neighbours as possible and to create a large private garden which every room in the house addresses. It takes on the form of a "long house" with all the rooms in the house facing south and the angle of the monopitch roof calculated to admit light during the winter but to create shade in the summer. There are triangular mirrors above the internal dividing walls which give the illusion of the roof continuously floating over all the rooms. A south facing rooflight on the north side also admits light deep into the plan. Perhaps the most memorable feature is the four substantial sliding doors facing south and one that faces west. When they are all fully open the living/dining/kitchen merges completely with the outdoor terrace and garden.
The house uses minimal energy and is heated by under floor heating and a log burning stove. The clients are keen cyclists, and a long cycling store is included on the north side of the plan.
For Doors Open Days come along to see this innovative house and meet the architect.
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Parking on Broadgait.
Gallery
