Proposal to alter and extend Easdale Ferry Office and Bothy, on the remote Scottish Island off the west coast.
Careful consideration was given to the balance of the island’s industrial history, slate quarrying, the rich variety of wildlife, and the community driven population of less than 100 permanent residents. Our sympathetic design meets the practical needs of the community, becoming an important part of Easdale’s architectural identity, while enhancing the experience of arriving and encouraging tourism and visitors to this unique island.
A building for the community, retained, enhanced and extended. Welcoming visitors and residents, wheelbarrow parking to the front, garden to the rear. Orientated, views across the harbour and to Ellenabeich for ferrymen to see boats approach.
Warm, with a shared stove, a large table to gather around for interaction and togetherness, more than just a space to wait. Functional, with improved and increased space for the ferrymen to operate. Essential, public services located within the extension, showers, toilets and laundry. A community notice board, defibrillator and post box. Covered external space to enjoy the island whilst remaining sheltered. An Interior filled with natural light from enlarged openings and new sky lights.
The drawings were selected to illustrate how the new Ferry Office and Bothy would sit within the community, as one of the first structures you see as you disembark the ten passenger foot ferry from neighbouring Ellenabeich. The hand drawn sketch from inside the waiting room evokes a sense of cosiness and togetherness, with large open views across the harbour to the north. The exploded axonometric shows the existing traditional single storey building, and the simple component parts and design of the extension integration.