New Scottish Houses: Book Talk

What makes a house feel right for where it is?

Join writer and journalist Isabelle Priest as she takes us on a journey through her book New Scottish Houses: Contemporary Architecture and Living in the Landscape. Including the recent RIBA House of the Year winner, Caochan na Craigehe, the book brings together some of the most compelling examples of contemporary rural houses in Scotland.

Isabelle will be at The Architect on Monday 26 January discussing what she has learnt about how houses respond to rugged coastlines, remote highlands & quieter rural settings.

The book explores a growing body of work from the past 20 years that points towards a new rural vernacular: architect-designed homes that are modern in outlook, yet deeply shaped by landscape and tradition. Many of the projects featured revisit older building traditions, reinterpreting them for contemporary life and placing them within a distinctly Scottish architectural lineage.

Featuring striking photographs and insightful commentary, this beautiful book celebrates how architects and homeowners are creating spaces that are both sustainable and inspirational, reflecting the evolving identity of Scotland’s built environment in the 21st century.

The evening invites anyone with an interest in homes, design or Scotland itself to consider how buildings can feel both contemporary and rooted; sustainable, lived-in and quietly inspiring.

Join us in January to celebrate a new vernacular, Burns Night and all things Scotland!

About the Author

Isabelle Priest is an award-winning journalist and writer specialising in architecture, design and interiors. She currently works as managing editor at the RIBA Journal. Isabelle has previously worked for Architecture Today, The Architects’ Journal, The Modern House, as a correspondent for 10 New European Architecture in Amsterdam, and as a researcher and writer for architecture practices in the UK and overseas. She has written and contributed to books, exhibitions and academic journals.

The event takes place at The Architect, Bristol, BS1 4QA