Back District Historical Society, Isle of Lewis

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides Heritage Centre, Contemporary Scottish property photos

Back District Historical Society on the Isle of Lewis

27 July 2022

Architects: Bard Ailteir

Loction: Isle of Lewis, West Scotland

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis

Photos by Alexander James-Aylin

Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac, Scotland

The site of the former school in the district of Back, Isle of Lewis, has been an open wound in the area ever since the school buildings were removed. It is a site of emotional connection and historical association, with many having either being educated there or being related to those who were. Situated on the main road through the district, nearby to a popular local business cluster including a shop to one end, and the large Free Church to the other, the site is ripe for development to bring back into public use for the benefit of the community.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis

Comann Eachdraidh Sgire a’ Bhac have identified this site for a new heritage centre, a brief that would satisfy a long overdue need for a local meeting place that will conserve and record the local history of the area. It is envisioned that the new construction will be welcoming, friendly and fully accessible to all.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis

A long, linear plan is devised stretching from front to back of the site. An entrance is positioned midway down this span within a fold of walls towards the east, aligning to the chimney and heart of the plan. Upon entering the selection of options is immediately apparent – public zones such as the kitchen and exhibition / gathering areas open out and are framed by a ridge light that directs western light deep into the volume. Subsidiary accommodation and the archive are located to the rear, where the strong enveloping roof form is folded downwards.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis

Bard Ailteir have utilised a simple palette of materials: white painted masonry, natural slate roof structed with timber rafters and small areas of turf. These are the staple of traditional construction in the islands, but are reinvented through new forms. Towards the road larger masonry elements create a signboard to the passing public, and a larger blade creates a visual terminal to the building whereupon a large barometer is placed, creating an eye-catching reminder of our reliance on the natural environment.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis Scotland

The architects devised the building to anchor it into the streetscape, creating considered public space around and integrating directly to the street allowing a visual connection to the immediate environs as well as the further context such as the church, the shoreline and reefs at Vatisker looking towards the Minch and the Sutherland mountains as well as the inland Loch a’ Tuath. Nearby Lighthill was used by sailors to navigate by night in Loch a’ Thuath, we anticipate that Comann Eachdraidh Sgire a’ Bhac will be a renewed beacon in the landscape, establishing its presence on this significant site once again.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis Scotland

Who are the clients and what’s interesting about them?
Comann Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac (Back Historical Society) SCIO is a voluntary, non-profit organisation set up to preserve and share all aspects of the history, culture and traditions of the Back area, in the Isle of Lewis.

The Comann meets monthly to discuss projects and also organises local lectures and events in Gaelic and English.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis Scotland

How is the project unique?
Unlike other na Comainn Eachdraidh in the islands, this community do not have an old school or other public building to inhabit, and instead have to start afresh. This will begin the healing of the former school site, and position it again as a place for people.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis

What was the brief?
The brief for the project would satisfy a long overdue need for a local meeting place that will also record, conserve and consolidate the local history of the area.

We were asked to explore ideas for a cultural facility allowing for gatherings, exhibitions and displays as well as a place to store archive materials, work on research as well as provide refreshments for building users.

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis Scotland

Back District Historical Society on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland – Property Information

Architects: Bard Ailteir https://bard.scot/home

Project size: 220 sqm
Site size: 1710 sqm
Building levels: 1

Back District Historical Society Isle of Lewis Scotland

Photography: Alexander James-Aylin

Back District Historical Society, Isle of Lewis images / information received 270722 from Architects Bard Ailteir

Location: Back, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, western Scotland, UK

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