The Calanais standing stones on the Isle of Lewis are one of Scotland’s best-preserved Neolithic sites. The 5,000 year old stone circles’ purpose remains unknown, but they are of spiritual and astrological significance, and any change to their setting needs great sensitivity.

erz have been working with JM Architects and the Calanais Standing Stones Trust for several years on the design of a new visitors centre, footpaths, access parking, and associated infrastructure. The erz landscape masterplan takes careful control of what could be intrusive elements, ensuring the visitor experience is enhanced by the changes, and the stones remain unaffected by the necessary infrastructure improvements.

Client
The Calanais Standing Stones Trust

Careful manipulation of topography is the main tool for sensitive siting of buildings in this exposed coastal landscape. Image credit JM Architects.