The Egg Shed

By Oliver Chapman Architects

Client Scottish Canals

Awards RIAS Award and RIBA National Award 2021

The aim of this modest building was to improve the built environment of Ardrishaig’s waterfront, and to increase the tourist offer within the village. It forges new connections by bringing the historic harbour back into the body of the village and re-establishing it as part of a circulatory route (which is still to be completed).

It had to deal with site contamination and protection from flooding, which required the foundations to be raised, and flood resistant materials to be used up to a height of 1m above the internal floor level. The simple roof of the existing building has been extended across a new structure, and new walls and roof are clad in red steel, making it clearly visible from a distance. It is robustly detailed, with adaptable internal spaces and an exhibition designed along with the local community.

It is an excellent example of how a fairly small architectural intervention can transform an area and open up new possibilities for future development.