One of the more telling signals that the use of timber in domestic construction has moved well beyond the realm of “for consenting adults only” is the degree to which timber buildings have not only penetrated the world of architectural awards but are also triumphing in these schemes. One such is run by the Saltire Trust, a venerable Scottish institution that, for more than 70 years, has assiduously sought to raise design and construction standards through its annual Housing Awards.

In the past these have often erred towards conservative, restoration projects which, whilst exemplary of their type, were hardly ever likely to set the house on fire. This year, however, the scheme has had a major revamp with the introduction not only of a new ‘award of awards’ – the Saltire Medal – but also the involvement in the judging panel of its first guest chairman, John McAslan, World Architect of the Year, 2009.

The upshot of these moves, plus significantly better marketing than in previous years, was a marked increase in the number of entries – unquestionably an achievement in itself in what has been another 12 months of financial austerity for architects and housebuilders alike. With 13 awards and commendations given in four separate categories, it was a simple but striking all-timber construction in the Private Dwelling-New Build category that carried off the Saltire Medal and the £1,500 cheque that went with it.

‘Fiscavaig’ on the Isle of Skye was deemed by John McAslan to be Scotland’s outstanding housing project of the year for its innovative use of materials and a design that paid close regard to its magnificent setting.

The Rock House, joint winner of the Private Dwelling - New Build Award

The house’s architects, Rural Design, rising stars on the Scottish architectural scene, have been part of a loose grouping of architects in the West Highlands currently contributing to the emergence of a distinctive regional aesthetic founded on outstanding use of home-grown timber and locally-produced timber products.

In this instance, the well-detailed timber construction is intended to reinforce the character of the house as “a visitor in the ancient landscape”, and as such has its form deliberately narrowed to the north and leaning into the prevailing direction of the often powerful weather conditions. The £123k house is clad in home-grown larch, with local Douglas fir used for the exposed internal structure. Unusually, fair-faced OSB provides the finished surface of the internal walls, with pine used throughout for the floors.

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