Mary Arnold-Forster Architects

09/12/2025

New house in the Lake District. Hugh Strange writes in .magazine “Externally the materials used are altogether tougher. The upper level is clad in vertical timber boards, with a black pigmented ore finish applied. While almost the tonal reverse of the light limed finishes of the nearby stone farmhouses, the dark warmth of the application nevertheless resonates with the browns and purples of the brackens and heathers of the fells above. The interplay between the striking horizontality of this timber form and the vertical slate chimney element also echoes one of the few modern precedents of note in the area, Lodore House, deigned by John Gill and constructed in 1968. The client of Arnold-Forster’s design had regularly stayed in this earlier house, which clearly made an impact, both for the specific compositional relationship of chimney to building volume, and for what modernism might offer as template for rural living. Credit to project architect James Carefoot. Photography

12/11/2025

Loch Cotrage Kirkmichael awarded a commendation by Dundee Institute of Architects in Regeneration Category.
“This once derelict cottage sits on a Lochan near Kirkmichael. Cement render was removed in favour of natural line pointing and the stone walls were insulated internally with wood fibre. A larch clad extension contains the main living and dining space with large windows drinking in the views over the lochan and naturally regenerating woodland beyond.”

15/10/2025

New house near Kilberry Argyll has started on site. We are delighted for our clients Chris and Sarah who have worked hard with us to confirm (almost) every detail prior to starting on site. Credit to project architect and her extraordinary attention to detail for getting us to this stage.

24/07/2025

Refurbishment and extension of house at Kirkmichael complete. This early 20th century house had been empty for many years. The contractor carefully picked off all the concrete render and replaced the concrete pointing with lime. The house was lined in insulated leveling plaster and a woodfibre board and a breathing lime based paint. A simple new timber clad extension replaced the stone byre. Openings on the south elevation were as before but the north elevation was opened up onto the lochan behind. The stone was reused for garden walls. Internally a raised aggregate floor using aggregate from the local quarry was laid throughout and a new oak staircase winds up through the old house. The existing floorboards were carefully restored and relaid. All credit to the craftsmen involved, W***y, Billy and Kyle on the stonework and to Paul, Seamus and Pete on the woodwork. And to project architect Mostly though thank you and congratulations to Miles and Hannah our clients for their trust in us and the team. We got there. We really hope you enjoy living there. Photos

03/07/2025

30/06/2025

May and June Site visits, adventures and Alder. Am Faochagach with my brother, Harris a bit of work with my tent and bike, Solpaig North Uist a swim and wander with , easy paddling Arisaig skerries, not so easy paddling Elgol to Glen Brittle, Nostie for Alder with and Site visit Skye thrilling to see the footbridge installed, Eynort for Alder, Old School Fabrications Edinburgh for a party, Aberfoyle site visit, Iona again with , Scoraig with for Alder and Site visit Gairloch refurbishment.

12/06/2025

New house at Aberfoyle now complete. The house is a simple form clad in stained timber and fibre cement cladding. The main room has a terrace and views to the west with projecting bay windows that look out to the local hill Craigmore. The large covered arrival space is kitted out for drying of wetsuits, storage of bikes paddle boards and outdoor furniture. And a bespoke dog wash. The more private guest annex is place on its east side. We are delighted for our client who is looking forward to retirement and to making a garden. All credit to project architect . .uk . And to all at the contractor JW Cook.

13/05/2025

April - Site visits, Alder and adventures. 1 Ardnish - Kayaking with Peter 2 Morvern - MTB tour with Tatti. 3 Mull - Archipelago Folkschool with Ben. 4 Stitling - Hillwalking with Rachel 5 Iona - Swimming with Rowena 6 Knoydart - site visit with James 7 Skye - site visit with Amy

01/05/2025

Refurbished and extended Railway cottage at Lambieletham Crossing St. Andrews now happily finished. Thank you to our clients Alistair, Linda and Astrid for commissioning us. It was good to meet you that day in a few years back. Also thanks for their exquisite kitchen, to Craig for the beautiful kitchen worktop, to and for the wardrobes and to particularly the amazing site agent Paul. Also credit to my colleagues for the photos and of course to James Carefoot project architect.

19/04/2025

New house on Knoydart. A pleasure to work with .works on the model for the RSA and with on tile samples made from blue clay extracted from site. Main contractor and project architect James Carefoot. Sub structure complete.

04/04/2025

2025 Winter into Spring Adventures and site visits on foot and on bike. Coire Sneachda, Kerrara, Cornwall, Colonsay, Blencathra, Count Down, Langdales, Sidlaws, Kintail, Gairloch and Tiree.