Anchored on a windswept rocky promontory, Rock Cove is both an architectural feat and an ode to the Scottish landscape. Designed by Cameron Webster Architects, this spectacular residence is partially constructed from Kebony wood – a durable material that allows it to withstand the harsh coastal climate.
Located on a strip of steep land formerly occupied by the Ministry of Defense, Rock Cove is a continuation of a previous collaboration between the client and the architects for the neighboring house, Cape Cove.
The challenge was considerable. To design a single-story, accessible and light-filled house, while complying with strict topographical and regulatory constraints. ‘The site is narrow, wedged between the road and the sea, and only a portion of it was buildable. The authorities approved the project on condition that it remained within this defined area, on the edge of the protected natural space. This guided the entire design of Rock Cove,’ explains architect Stuart Cameron.
The result is a linear silhouette, half of which rises above the rocks, suspended in the air by two steel struts. The other half, more intimate, is anchored to the ground and houses the four bedrooms of the house.
Kebony: wood built for the extreme
Given such an exposed environment, the choice of materials proved crucial. The exterior cladding is made of Kebony Clear. Kebony Character covers the soffits, ensuring aesthetic and technical continuity. Developed in Norway, Kebony Dually Modified™ technology is a patented, environmentally friendly process that modifies softwoods from sustainable sources by heating the wood with a bio-based liquid. By polymerizing the wood’s cell walls, soft woods permanently adopt the attributes of tropical hardwoods, while having a minimal impact on the environment.
‘This wood is particularly suitable for coastal environments. It is highly resistant to weathering and develops a natural silvery patina that blends in perfectly with the landscape,’ explains the design team.
Milled stainless steel fasteners reinforce the durability of the structure. In addition, local stone cladding (basalt and raw quartz) visually anchors the house in its environment.
A cozy home, battered by the winds
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and refined. The sapelli ceiling in the living room is reminiscent of marine woodwork, while the oak and porcelain stoneware floors combine robustness and comfort. Thanks to its high-performance envelope – triple glazing, reinforced insulation and a heat pump – Rock Cove ensures remarkable energy efficiency without resorting to complex systems.
‘Rock Cove is a marine house. It must cope with wind, salt and tides. It has to hold up, whatever the conditions,’ explains the owner.
Winner of the Gold Award at the 2025 Scottish Design Awards, the Supreme Award from the Glasgow Institute of Architects 2024, and finalist in the 2025 RIAS/RIBA Awards, Rock Cove powerfully illustrates the ability of Kebony wood to meet the challenges of contemporary architecture in extreme environments.