The Tidal House Invites Scottish Tranquility on the Solway Coast
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The Tidal House Invites Scottish Tranquility on the Solway Coast

Perched along the tranquil Solway Coast in Dumfries and Galloway, Tidal House is a contemporary retreat envisioned by Brown & Brown Architects for a retired couple transitioning from city life in Edinburgh. The clients longed for a peaceful escape amidst the rugged waterfront beauty of the Scottish landscape.  On its northern side, the smoked clay brick facade offers a sturdy, grounded presence that reflects the charm of the nearby village. In contrast, the southern wood cladding embraces the fluidity of the coastal environment, designed to age gracefully with the passage of time. At the heart of the design lies a captivating three-sided courtyard, anchored by a vibrant acer Fireglow tree, which acts as both a visual and functional divider between the main living spaces and an artist’s studio.

This courtyard approach not only enhances privacy but also fosters a sense of intimacy and connection with the outdoors. The careful placement of expansive windows invites the surrounding natural beauty inside, creating a constant interplay between the built environment and its surroundings. “We wanted a warm, welcoming home, and feel this is beautifully delivered. We’re pinching ourselves still as the whole thing is so incredible,” the clients say.

Modern house with large windows and glowing interior lights at dusk, surrounded by greenery and a rocky stone wall, under a cloudy sky.

A modern house with large glass windows glows warmly at dusk. The exterior features a landscaped garden and stone pathway, with trees and hills visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

The home is a sanctuary where artistic inspiration and relaxation coexist. The artist’s studio, with its strategically positioned glass corner overlooking the River Urr estuary, encapsulates this dual purpose. This intimate nook serves as a place for reflection and creativity, offering an ever-changing view of tidal waters and distant horizons.

Modern building with a wooden ceiling and glass walls overlooking a scenic view of a lake, stone wall, and hills under a cloudy sky.

Modern wooden building with large glass window overlooks a serene lakeside view. Pathway leads through landscaped garden. Overcast sky with boats in the distance.

Modern house with large glass windows, sleek wood paneling, and a tiled patio. It overlooks a serene landscape with trees and a stone wall under a partly cloudy sky.

Sunlight illuminating a red-leaved plant next to a modern building with large glass windows and textured wooden walls.

Modern house entrance with large wooden door, surrounded by light brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting warm lighting from the interior.

Thoughtful design choices, such as large windows for natural solar gain and strategically placed openings for cross-ventilation, ensure energy efficiency without compromising comfort. The masonry wall on the north side acts as a thermal store, while the southern glazing benefits from an overhang that provides seasonal shading. These features embody Brown & Brown’s philosophy of “slow work,” emphasizing meticulous planning, timeless craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.

Modern living room with large windows, a beige sofa, wooden chairs, and a suspended fireplace. The view outside shows a misty landscape with greenery.

Modern living room with large glass walls showcasing an outdoor view, featuring a suspended fireplace, brown leather furniture, and a red accent wall with shelves.

Inside, wood flooring and tile coexist alongside textured woods and a rich color palette for a warm, inviting atmosphere, even on gloomier days. The public spaces aim to be more light and airy, while the private areas are designed with a darker feeling to encourage relaxation. Both custom furniture, made by the owners, and family heirlooms round out the interior to make it more personal.

Modern living room with a suspended black fireplace, leather sofas, and large glass windows overlooking a misty landscape.

Modern dining room with a round table, wooden chairs, sideboard, and a bust sculpture. A framed painting and vase with branches are on the sideboard. The room has red walls and wooden flooring.

Modern interior with a light wood floor, a wooden chair and table on a green rug. Large windows reveal an outdoor view with a river and trees. A circular wall decoration is to the left.

Modern interior with large glass windows, light-colored walls, and tiled floors. A hallway leads to a bright space, with plants and wooden cabinetry visible.

A minimalist indoor courtyard with a single small tree surrounded by a circular stone design, enclosed by large glass windows and light gray walls.

Minimalist interior with green walls, a wooden handrail, and a wooden chair by a window with curtains. A framed picture is on the wall.

A bedroom with green walls, a red bed, and a wooden chair. A floating shelf holds a plant, and a painting hangs above. Pink curtains are partially visible on the left.

For more on the Tidal House and Brown & Brown Architects, visit brownandbrown.studio.

Photography by Jim Stephenson and Mart Goosens.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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