Accomplishing a remote self-build with Izat Arundell
For Eilidh Izat and Jack Arundell of award-winning architecture firm Izat Arundell, their self-build project (a first for the couple) on the Isle of Harris was fundamentally about respect. Respect for the striking landscape and respect for the local community.
‘A common misconception is that because islands are physically remote and often have small, dispersed populations, you can ‘get away’ with anything,’ Eilidh explains. ‘In reality, every inch of the island is known, and every change is noticed.’
The build’s location, situated on the edge of the Minch – the sea strait between the Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland – is dominated by Lewisian Gneiss rock.
And so naturally to Eilidh and Jack, the very same stone, sourced from a quarry less than five miles down the road, should be integral to the project’s design.
Skilled stonemason and friend of the couple, Dan Macaulay, meticulously clad the external walls, while Eilidh designed the unique, angular footprint to work with the surrounding rock formations. Even the name of the house, Caochan na Creige, means ‘little quiet one by the rock’.
Inside, Scottish cedar panelling (chosen for its warmth and tactility) and custom-built cabinetry crafted by Eilidh’s brother and furniture maker, Alastair Izat, create a striking contrast to the craggy exterior and reiterate Eilidh and Jack’s commitment to natural materials and considered craftsmanship.
Expansive wooden windows have been cleverly used to both maintain a deep-rooted connection with the landscape and make the modest spaces feel more substantial, with smaller windows facing west to capture the sun as it sets.
‘Timber windows are emerging as a trademark of Izat Arundell,’ says Eilidh. ‘It’s a very traditional form of window-making and we really enjoy seeing craftsmanship in our architecture, so it’s an obvious choice.’
Eilidh acknowledges how personal her approach to design is, and how memories of places and buildings she’s visited have influenced the outcome.
‘Certain elements of the house give me a strong sense of déjà vu. It draws on places that have left an emotional imprint, like my grandfather’s house – he was an architect too, and also built a small home.
‘I hope that sense of feeling and familiarity is something other people experience when they step into our home. How a building feels, smells and sounds is just as important to me as how it looks.’
Timelessness proved to be the other fundamental driving force behind the project.
‘We think about value in terms of longevity rather than low upfront cost,’ she explains.
‘Our aim is for the buildings we design to look better in 25 or even 50 years’ time than they do on the day they’re finished, so incorporating products that stand the test of time is central to our approach.’
And that’s where we came in.
‘We discovered Corston a few years ago and have specified products on two projects so far, including our own home.
‘Time is the ultimate test for any building, and we’ve found that the ones with a strong, holistic quality tend to be the most loved and well cared for. Placing value on finishes that work in harmony – and prioritising timeless design over cheap construction – is the only way to achieve this.
‘The details we interact with most, like light switches and cabinet handles, really matter to us, and the quality of the [Corston] products shines through. If they’re robust and feel good to use, it brings a quiet pleasure to everyday life.’
Caochan na Creige, recently crowned RIBA House of the Year 2025, marks a significant milestone for Izat Arundell, and Eilidh offered us a glimpse into what’s next for the founders.
‘We’re deeply passionate about island life and want to make a meaningful contribution to the Scottish islands. One of the biggest challenges is depopulation, driven in part by the lack of long-term rental housing. We’re currently exploring the idea of building four new houses on Harris.
‘Ultimately, we’d love to create opportunities for people to stay on the island or move here, using architecture as the mechanism to help drive that change.’
Published on 21st January 2026
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