HMS Owl in Tain
Flight of Fancy
When Justin Hooper and Charlotte Seddon came across a derelict air control tower just outside Tain in the Scottish Highlands, they couldn't resist the temptation to take on this renovation challenge. Years later, their passion and hard work has transformed the brutalist wreck into a quirky home which absolutely nails the vintage industrial look.
The squat, four storey concrete building stands proud in the middle of open fields. its isolated position, with uninterrupted views in every direction, is a legacy of its former life as an air control tower of a second world war aerodrome. These remarkable views are framed by brand new Crittall windows, their black frames matching the matte black external walls.
The industrial theme continues inside with unadorned concrete ceilings and pillars as well as bare brick walls. The look is softened by extensive use of leather chairs and textured rugs, creating a comfortable yet masculine edge. Vintage inspired details abound, from factory pendants and giant Anglepoise style floor lamps to wooden storage crates and a medicine cabinet repurposed as a whiskey cabinet. Overall, the space feels intriguing and evocative, a masterclass in industrial style design.
HMS Owl is a family residence but the top floor room, with spectacular views of open Scottish countryside, is available to rent via Airbnb.
Links
Product Inspiration
Master the contemporary industrial look with the Utility chair from Stellar Works, the Snaregade table from Menu and the Anywhere shelves from Korridor.
The semi-rusted Roest suspension lights from Karven are great for industrial style design schemes, as are the 90 Degrees wall light from Frama and the Factory suspension light from Ghidini 1961.
The customisable Bordbar trolley is the perfect accessory for this ex-air traffic control tower. The concrete Gray Planet wall panel from Lyon Beton and the Pipework London tube map wall hanger from Nick Fraser would also look great.
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