Page 134 - Homes & Interiors Scotland

ARCHITECTURE

At night, sections of the inside of the house can be seen
from the street. Internally, Murphy can close shutters and
lower roof levels for privacy and to conserve heat

a level is utilised for cupboard storage, while the sloping glazed roof means that Murphy can fall asleep
looking at the stars.
There wasn’t the usual dynamic between architect and client, says Murphy, but the sheer volume of
ideas and the joy he has clearly taken in executing such an adventurous project is there in the bricks and
mortar. There are hints of all of his favourites: the Sir John Soane Museum in London, for example,
where mirrors plays tricks on your eyes and the illusion of space is created, has been replicated in the
reception hall where a display wall has illuminated nooks backed in mirrors holding a variety of objects.
There’s a wall hanging by artist and friend Linda Green, who also helped with the colour palette used in
the house.
Murphy admits he is still tinkering with the house. His next project is to install a sliding steel ladder
so that he can access the books and magazines that line the walls on one side of the living area. He has
plans to build shelving for the plasterwork, and create bespoke lighting and furniture designs to dress
this intriguing space.
“It’s the project that never ends,” he laughs. “But I’m really enjoying living here.”

HOMES & INTERIORS SCOTLAND