Mackintosh School of Architecture / MSA Stage 3 / Ailsa Carrigan / Earthsea: Lochaber Observatories (2026)

Earthsea: Lochaber Observatories (2026)

‘Earthsea’ is a scheme based on reciprocal extraction: taking from the sea to give to the earth. It aims to revive the historically important tradition of seaweed harvesting and burning in the Lochaber region. The project evolves from a simple technique for farming seaweed: rope-lines which extend from a shallow bay into the sea-loch Leven. Growth on the lines is rapid and leaves little trace in the water. Following some cycles of harvest, gathered quantities of seaweed are compressed with earth to create raw ‘Earthsea’ bricks. These are then used to form the ‘Kilns’: the main structures on site. They grow from existing foundations, rocky walls in the bay. Corbelled brick walls surround hot cores. Earthsea bricks are fired gently in the cores, allowing for efficient production and economic return. Meanwhile, excess heat retained behind the outer walls aids in the drying of continuous seaweed harvests. Processing and packing work take place in the shelter beneath the drying produce, which can be sold onwards as become food, fertiliser and more. Beginning from almost nothing but the earth and the sea, an industry is revived.

Detail Kiln section
Earthsea Brick
Earthsea site model
Farm section
Kilns section
Plan
Map
Axonometric
Kiln Interior
Kiln section model
Kiln section model rear