Croft 3: A Stone Haven Where History and Modern Design Meet
Croft 3 is a breathtaking stone retreat nestled on the scenic Isle of Mull in the United Kingdom. Designed by Fardaa in 2022, this stunning coastal escape combines the charm of a repurposed basalt barn with the elegance of modern design.
Experience the rich culture and history of this idyllic island setting, as Croft 3 proudly showcases the architectural prowess of Fardaa and the vibrant local community spirit.
About Croft 3
Breathing New Life into a Basalt Barn: Croft 3 Restaurant
London-based architecture studio Fardaa has masterfully transformed a ruined basalt barn into a dining hall and restaurant, Croft 3, creating a valuable community resource for a coastal community on the Isle of Mull.
Fardaa’s Vision and Commitment to Sustainability
As their first completed project, Croft 3 embodies Fardaa’s approach to place, economy of means, and social and environmental responsibility. Client Jeanette Cutlack purchased a disused croft in 2019 to expand her local restaurant, which now sources all meat and fish from the island and produces the island’s only commercially available haggis.
A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
Set into a sloping plot, the development repurposes a dilapidated stone barn as a dining hall, connecting it to a new timber-clad extension that houses a foyer, chef’s kitchen, and visitor facilities. The design features two offset pitched volumes that echo the twin hillscape of Ulva across the bay, offering a strong profile from any direction.
A Dramatic Entrance and Stunning Views
Visitors approach the restaurant from the road above, with the building’s long black roofs appearing lower than the sea and Ulva beyond. The entrance sequence heightens the sense of space and connection to the landscape, culminating in a grand dining room with spectacular views of the sea, bay, and islands beyond.
Careful Restoration and Thoughtful Material Choices
Fardaa restored the existing structure using lime mortar and salvaged basalt from the original stone structure, with an exposed timber ceiling adding warmth to the space. Croft 3’s interiors showcase simple, raw materials, such as American White Ash timber floors and raw plaster walls, providing a textural backdrop that changes throughout the day.
A Testament to Contextual, Sustainable Architecture
Completed in October 2022, Croft 3 demonstrates Fardaa’s ability to design contextual, sustainable architecture that values and enhances community and culture. Both the founding director of Fardaa and the owner of Croft 3 express their pride in the project’s success and the sense of connectedness it fosters within the community.
Photography by David Barbour
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- by Matt Watts
