Suspended modern cabin soars over a Scottish lake
Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Rosneath Peninsula in Argyll, a contemporary cabin named Rock Cove offers breathtaking sea views. The living space takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, with panoramic windows providing a captivating backdrop for the modern interiors.
According to its owner, Rock Cove transcends the visual appeal of its location, providing a multi-sensory experience. "The house invites you to smell the salty air, hear the waves breaking on the rocks below, and witness the ever-changing light and reflections on the water," they say. "It's also an ideal spot to observe marine wildlife such as birds, seals, and porpoises."
The client had previously collaborated with Cameron Webster Architects on another project, Cape Cove, and had long dreamed of transforming the adjacent plot located on a former MOD land slipway and submarine signaling platform.
The unique design of Rock Cove reflects its location. Half of the house hovers above the sea, supported by two V-shaped steel legs. "The layout Marie considerable thought behind its minimalistic yet functional design," says project architect Stuart Cameron. "The narrow coastal plot necessitated a single-story, long box structure, providing maximum living space and an adaptable, accessible layout."
The glazed steel frame structure houses the open-plan living area, while the bedrooms are located in a timber-framed section that opens onto a native coastal garden. "The house's layout follows the undulating shape of the land, giving the impression of it floating over the sea," says Cameron. "However, this wasn't an aesthetic choice but rather a response to the designated settlement and open space zones."
Materials like robust Kebony timber and local basalt reference the rugged Scottish terrain both outside and inside. "Rock Cove is a marine house, designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions," says the client. "It faces regular pressure from wind, sea, and salt, yet remains resilient."
A notable aspect of the design is the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, showcased by the infinity edge at the living room window. "The simplicity of the plan and the uninterrupted views of the sea make Rock Cove truly exceptional," says Cameron. "It continues the theme we established with the client at Cape Cove, incorporating mid-20th-century influences and focusing on materiality."
The successful completion of the project earned Rock Cove the Supreme Award at the 2024 Glasgow Institute of Architects (GIA) Awards and a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious RIAS/RIBA Awards 2025 and Scottish Design Awards 2025. Judges at the GIA Awards called Rock Cove "a building which responds beautifully to its site and place while creating a striking and memorable visual impact."
For more information about Cameron Webster Architects and their innovative housing projects, visit www.cameronwebster.com.
The house, Rock Cove, offers a unique lifestyle that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, with the home-and-garden area showcasing native coastal plants. The home's location and design, inspired by its rugged Scottish terrain, enable its residents to witness a variety of marine wildlife in their daily life.
