The White House
A private house on the edge of the Solway Firth

The White House, designed for clients Mike and Lesley Smith, is a response to its site on the edge of the Solway Firth. The natural rhythm of the ebb and flow of the tides transform the setting over time, and the changing light, reflecting off the water is quite magical.
In simple terms the house consists of three circular drums linked together. A visor then stretches between two of the drums, taking in the view. The public spaces of the house are raised up to first floor level, with the bedrooms on the ground floor.


Everything in the house had been given thoughtful consideration, from the big architectural vision to the tactile details. The whole home exuded personality, the furniture and artworks clearly demonstrated many years of collecting with love and discernment and the way that incredible view is revealed as you enter the house is breathtaking”
Scotland’s Home of the Year 2019
Everything in the house had been given thoughtful consideration, from the big architectural vision to the tactile details. The whole home exuded personality, the furniture and artworks clearly demonstrated many years of collecting with love and discernment and the way that incredible view is revealed as you enter the house is breathtaking”
Scotland’s Home of the Year 2019


Design
The Smiths were professors of Russian and had a great affection for the Melnikov house, designed in 1920s Moscow by the constructivist architect Melnikov, and made up of 2 interlocking drums. At a larger scale, the drums recall the white lighthouses of the west coast of Scotland, and the powerful forms of this simple white objects marking the edge of land.
The interiors of the White House are simple. Timber finishes were used throughout, played off against the white walls and ceilings to bring a natural warmth to the interior. The study drum, which is separated from the fused drums by a glazed link, is fully lined with timber bookcases with windows providing 360 degree glimpses to the surrounding landscape.


Project Info
Overview
Mike and Lesley Smith
Kirkcudbright, Dumfriesshire
£860K
269m2
October 2010
Consultants
Sinclair Knight Merz
McGowan Miller Partnership
Gaia Contracts
Andrew Lee