Nestling just above the red and brown pitched roofs of suburban Glasgow is the MacCalman House. It stands out from the suburban crowd not only because it is high up on a wooded hill but because of its self-assured modernism: white render, square form, flat roof.
The challenge for the architect, SMC Davis Duncan was to tame the access to the sloping site and exploit its potential, creating a contemporary villa flooded with light and simply detailed. The solution was to marry the location and the architecture by setting the house into the hillside.
The main entrance to the house is at the lowest level, and leads to a light double volume entrance hall. This level also provides space for home working, well away from the main living space. Bedrooms are on the floor above, each bedroom having its own ensuite bathroom. Living space is on the top floor to make the very most of the natural light and views. The living space leads onto an enclosed roof terrace with framed south westerly views. The terrace is fitted with a barbecue, hot tub, sauna and outside shower, which can all be enjoyed in privacy.
The architect aimed to deliver a home that would be flexible and stand the test of time – and that includes taking into account environmental performance. The house is constructed from timber frame, with special glazing on south east and south west elevations to control heat gain. The cantilevered roof terrace shades the bedroom windows from summer sun. |
