OCA Studio

Our proposals for alterations to this early-19th century dwelling in the Portobello Conservation Area have recently been granted planning permission.

The works will feature the insertion of a new staircase between the first floor property and its attic, creating valuable additional space for our clients and their young family. A pair of dormer windows are proposed to the rear elevation, clad in a warm-toned metal to tie in with the pantile roof, and angled for enhanced privacy and a glimpse of the sea.

We are excited to see this project develop in the coming months.

We are delighted to share that the North Sutherland Health and Social Care Hub has been shortlisted in the Future Building or Project category at the 2026 Scottish Design Awards.

Congratulations to our client Wildland Ltd for NHS Highland
and the wider consultant team whose collaboration, expertise, and commitment have helped shape the project. The proposal brings together healthcare, social care and community facilities within an integrated and forward-looking civic building for North Sutherland.

We are proud to see the project recognised alongside so many inspiring projects and practices from across Scotland.

Project Team:
Architect: OCA Studio
Project Manager & Quantity Surveyor: Thomson Gray
Landscape Architect: UrbanPioneers
Structural Engineer: Narro Associates
Services Engineer: Harley Haddow
Planning Consultant: Urban Animation

More about the Scottish Design Awards here:
https://www.scottishdesignawards.com/2026/architecture-future/north-sutherland-health-and-social-care-hub/

More about the project here:
https://ocastudio.co.uk/north-sutherland-health-social-care-hub