Rock Cove, a house suspended between sky and sea, showcases Kebony wood on the Scottish coast

Located on a steep strip of land, formerly occupied by the Ministry of Defence, Rock Cove follows on from a previous collaboration between the client and the architects for the neighbouring house, Cape Cove.

The challenge was considerable: to design a single-story house, accessible and bathed in light, while respecting strict topographical and regulatory constraints.

“The land is narrow, squeezed between the road and the sea, and only a portion was suitable for construction. The authorities accepted the project on the condition that it remain within this defined zone, bordering the protected natural area. This guided the entire design of Rock Cove.” explains the architect, Stuart Cameron.

The result is a linear silhouette, with half of the structure rising above the rocks, suspended in the air by two steel struts. The other, more intimate half is anchored to the ground and houses the house's four bedrooms.

Kebony: a wood cut for the extreme

Given the exposed environment, the choice of materials proved crucial. The exterior cladding is made of Kebony Clear. Kebony Character clads the soffits, ensuring aesthetic and technical continuity. Developed in Norway, the Kebony Dually modified technology^TM This is a patented and environmentally friendly process. It modifies softwood from sustainable sources by heating the wood with a bio-based liquid. By polymerizing the wood's cell walls, the softwood permanently adopts the attributes of tropical hardwood, while minimizing its environmental impact.

"This wood is particularly well-suited to coastal environments. It withstands the elements well and develops a natural silvery patina that blends perfectly with the landscape." explains the design team.

Countersunk stainless steel fasteners enhance the durability of the entire structure. Complementing this, local stone cladding (basalt and raw quartz) visually anchors the house in its surroundings.

A warm house, buffeted by the winds

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and refined. The sapele living room ceiling evokes marine woodwork, while the oak and porcelain stoneware floors combine strength and comfort. Thanks to a high-performance envelope—triple glazing, reinforced insulation, and a heat pump—Rock Cove ensures remarkable energy efficiency without resorting to complex systems.

“Rock Cove is a sea house. It has to withstand the wind, the salt, the tides. It has to hold firm, whatever the conditions.” explains the owner.

Winner of the Gold Award at the Scottish Design Awards 2025, the Supreme Award from the Glasgow Institute of Architects 2024, and a finalist in the RIAS/RIBA Awards 2025, Rock Cove powerfully illustrates the ability of Kebony wood to meet the challenges of contemporary architecture in extreme environments.