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Erecting a striking new modern home directly on the UK coastline is no easy task. In addition to the organizational aspects of planning a house that functions successfully in such an demanding environment, building permits is apt to halt the project. But on the edge of Loch Long on the Rosneath peninsula, around 65 kilometers north-west of Glasgow, John MacKinnon and his wife Laura discovered a way to make it work for their house, Rock Cove. Even though the area is rugged and ruggedly beautiful, its heritage has long been intertwined with the military and was once a brownfield site, home to abandoned government huts and garages, overgrown and littered with rubble.

The objective was for a house that optimized the amazing location and scenery by enhancing the living space

During 2008, the owner had bought a property on the same site, a World War II-era cottage that had been transformed as a naval signalling station. MacKinnon has a deep-seated passion for style, and collaborated with architect the architect of Cameron Webster to totally transform this humble property as a sleek beach house, Cape Cove. MacKinnon then began planning what could be done with the neglected space alongside his new home.

"Following previous work with Cameron before, it was simple for us to move forward. We had countless conversations around how we could design a house there, creating a structure out of an unsightly area, without affecting Cape Cove’s property or views. To fully utilize a somewhat limited space, we started envisioning a house that juts out over the rocks below." The plan he provided was for a house that took advantage of the breathtaking views by expanding the living space, as well as somewhere that would be long-lasting for the their later years: on one level, accessible and easy to maintain.

Inspirations featured the horizontal desert modernist architecture of California’s Palm Springs; the houses of the design pioneer, especially the legendary Fallingwater in Pennsylvania; and Vandamm House, one of the sets from the director’s classic thriller North By Northwest, which was itself modeled on Fallingwater. "The focus is on the minimalist style and the link to the environment, through both the construction elements and the glass facades," notes he.

The finished structure is clean yet utterly striking: a sprawling box cantilevered out over the rocks below. It’s no surprise, it has bagged several industry honors.

For those with a ideal property on their mind, Cameron has some advice: "Consult the zoning office. Have there been very modern houses been approved in the last few years? Seek their suggestions for professionals. You could invest a modest sum to two or three architects to create a basic design. Find an architect who asks 'what if?', expanding the vision forward."

As with any design, there were compromises – the large multi-functional space results in the more smaller four en suite bedrooms, each of which opens on to the terrace that follows one side of the house. The remaining side is windowless, ensuring privacy for both the first property and Rock Cove.

With the primary access inevitably located at the far side of the house to the extended living area, a daring decision was taken to make the passage into a space in its own right, a generous 2 metres wide. "This area works well to arrange furniture during events and MacKinnon wanted an area to showcase his collection of Aboriginal art," notes he.

To handle the sometimes harsh elements, the tall windows are multi-paned

In line with the building’s cutting-edge design roots, the components – such as lumber and rock – are eco-friendly and offer a close-to-nature feel. To cope with the occasionally intense climate, the full-height windows are triple-glazed, while the doors seal on to weather stripping when closed to prevent the strong gusts at bay. The facade was covered in a robust timber, a strong timber product, which has since aged to a appealing silvery finish.

Within an interior this pristine, furnishings such as the vast customizable the retailer Söderhamn sofa appear as luxury furnishings. "The design is excellent and straightforward to buy replacement covers so, again, long-lasting." Likewise, the kitchen is a typical Howdens’ design, upgraded by resilient the surface by Cosentino worktops. "Similarly, we’re considering durability, for our retirement, and also because we lease the house for getaways."

Living here has proved to be as enjoyable as the couple anticipated. "We’re quite social creatures and like to populate the house with family and companions. But it’s pleasant to enjoy the place in solitude, to unwind and observe the ever-changing conditions," he says.