Caochan Na Creige

This presented unique engineering challenges due to both its remote location and the self-build nature of the project. Caochan Na Creige is sited to maximise views across the Minch to the Isle of Skye.

Narro provided civil and structural engineering services for this private residence on the Isle of Harris which features an irregular, angled plan which was driven by the existing rock outcrops on site to minimise excavation and labour. Due to the presence of shallow bedrock on site, shallow strip foundations were employed. Where the level of the rock varied, compacted hardcore layers were employed to reduce concrete volumes.

The structural approach to the build used a load bearing timber kit partition which was constructed on site, with external stone cladding using Lewisian Gneiss rock sourced from a local quarry on the island. The external stonework features a feature a cast in situ concrete ring beam, which was washed back to expose the same Lewisian Gneiss aggregate. and marry with the surrounding rock found on site. A green roof is supported using engineering timber I-joists with intermediate steel beams used to create the desired Architectural layout internally.