Hillswick Weaving Shed or ‘Da Store’ is a listed building forming part of Hillswick House on the shores of St Magnus Bay. Dating from the mid-18th century, it has been used as a fishing böd, shop, store, and weaving shed. The building fell out of use and lay neglected for many years until a new philanthropic buyer recognised the potential in the building and commissioned Malcolmson Architects to help launch the project to create an ‘artist in residence’ workshop and gallery on the ground floor with a two bedroom home above.
The original building was a simple two-storey structure comprising a single space on the ground and second floors with no access between the two. Of robust construction for industrial use, there were very few openings and the challenge, within a very tight budget, was to create light and airy modern accommodation that retained the character and sense of space of the original building.
“With the curved dividing wall through the building and original beams exposed above, the space really came to life and feels incredibly spacious and light, and still retains the open character of the building, something really important to the renovation”