Kylesku Hotel
Work Spaces
The Kylesku Hotel is situated in the Assynt Coigach National Scenic Area. Helen Lucas Architects oversaw the design and construction of an extensive scheme that was constructed between November 2014 and February 2015 when the hotel was closed for the winter.
The hotel had suffered from piecemeal development over a number of years and Helen Lucas Architects made a series of proposals that rationalise the layout, make best use of the existing buildings and enhance the connection to the landscape through carefully positioned additions.
The scheme provides a new accommodation block containing four new bedrooms. An extended restaurant and residents' lounge connect to the refurbished and enlarged bar area. Additional back of house facilities, a laundry and office were incorporated. Externally a timber walkway provides an accessible entrance and a timber deck provides an outdoor seating area.
The scheme has refreshed and modernised the hotel but retained its historic heart. The built fabric has been upgraded to meet modern standards and sustainability improved by the addition of an air source heat pump.
The hotel is situated on a peninsula between Loch Chairn Bhain and Loch Glendhu.
The timber walkway provides a safe accessible route to reception.
The timber walkway improves the privacy of the existing bedrooms by leading guests to reception on the loch side of the wall below the height of the bedroom windows.
The timber bridge abuts the wall but takes its support from a series of timber trusses.
The timber truss supporting the new accessible walkway.
The extended reception and residents' lounge.
The hotel's proprietors.
The residents' lounge, reception and restaurant at dusk.
The new corner window to the restaurant.
The ceiling to the existing upper bar was opened up as part of the works. �A new large structural opening was created to connect the bar to the restaurant and previous differences in floor level were removed to improve accessibility.
The refurbished upper bar.
A one way system to and from the kitchen was created to improve efficiency.�
Two woodburning stoves were added to the bar area.
New french doors were added to improve access to the new deck and to allow all tables in the restaurant to have a view out.
The bar extension with corner window and built-in banquette seating.
The bar.
Lit and mirrored beech shelves behind the bar.
The new stoves were backed by bright orange to give a sense of warmth even when not lit.
The view when approaching from the footpath connecting to the famous Kylesku Bridge.
The hotel in context with the Kylesku Bridge.
The new deck. �Raised so the edge can be used as a bench in busy times. �The handrail is detailled to be used as a bar top.
The existing slate roof behind the new front extension clad in siberian larch.
The old stepped access was retained and connects to the timber walkway.
The timber deck at night.
The deck when viewed from the loch.
The bar, restaurant and reception at night.
The hotel and jetty.
The new accommodation block at the south end of the site.
The accommodation block has a sheltered entrance with balconies above.
Gutter detail of the accommodation block.
Dormer window and balcony detail.
Zinc detailing of the dormer window.
The balcony is accessed via sliding doors.
Protective overhanging canopy viewed from underneath.
Sliding doors and balcony in one of the upper bedrooms.
Window seat to the lower bedroom.
View when arriving from the jetty.
The hotel is situated on a peninsula between Loch Chairn Bhain and Loch Glendhu.
