Burnside House - Designed at Denham Youd ltdDesigned while working at Denham Youd Ltd, Burnside House is a bespoke new-build home located on a beachfront site within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Isle of Arran. The project successfully secured planning permission through a design approach that combined strong architectural ambition with a clear commitment to environmental sustainability.
From the outset, the proposal was shaped by both the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes framework and local planning policies, ensuring that environmental performance, site sensitivity, and long-term resilience were embedded within the design. The result is a contemporary home that maximises the exceptional qualities of its coastal setting while minimising its impact on the surrounding ecology and neighbouring properties.
The architectural concept is organised around the intersection of two distinct forms. An ultra-efficient bedroom core, conceived as a compact cube, intersects with a linear longhouse-inspired volume that accommodates the primary living, dining, and kitchen spaces. This arrangement creates a fluid and intuitive layout, balancing private and communal functions while framing views across the landscape.
A series of carefully considered spatial interventions enrich the experience of the home and strengthen its connection to the site. Raised outdoor terraces, strategically positioned rooflights, and a sunken living area subtly define different zones within the open-plan interior, creating a sense of progression and variety while maintaining visual continuity throughout the building.
By combining contemporary architecture with a sensitive response to place, Burnside House demonstrates how high-quality design can enhance a remarkable coastal setting while respecting its environmental and cultural context.