Melgund Castle

Benjamin Tindall Architects

Perhaps the best Tower House project in the last 20 years, this repaired and altered 16th century tower is unique in many respects and an important contribution in the debate concerning the repair and restoration of Scottish ruins. Retaining the irregular and vegetated silhouette, the only intrusion on the romantic view is the roof to the tower allowing the ruin to be 'inhabited' as a private residence and the general appearance of a ruin to be maintained, with all new work subtly distinguishable from the original. Much of the work was done with local materials, including opening up an original quarry, thus complying with our '400 Yard Rule': any material that travels further than 400 yards, excluding over water, cannot be traditional, vernacular or ecological.