The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has chosen LDN Architects to design new visitor facilities at the renowned Hill House, the masterpiece created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald in 1902. The historic home, originally built for publisher Walter Blackie, represents one of Scotland's most significant contributions to 20th-century world architecture and stands as Mackintosh's most important domestic design.

Since 2019, the Category A-listed building has been encased in a transparent chainmail box designed by Carmody Groarke to protect the structure during extensive restoration work. This innovative protective covering allows the building to dry out from chronic dampness that has plagued the property throughout its existence. The protective box is scheduled for removal in 2028 as part of the comprehensive conservation project.

LDN Architects will now oversee the design of new visitor amenities at the site, including a café, retail shop, and restroom facilities. The firm will also lead planning efforts for the removal of the protective enclosure and coordinate a comprehensive program of external and internal conservation work and redecoration of the historic house. The appointment follows NTS's successful securing of $1.1 million in initial development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in December 2024.

This funding package represents the first phase of a larger $7.3 million lottery award and will enable NTS to continue its ongoing conservation efforts at Hill House. A portion of these funds will be used to develop designs for the new visitor facilities as part of the broader "Mackintosh Illuminated" project. This ambitious program aims to highlight the creative genius of the Mackintosh-Macdonald design partnership and also includes restoration work on the pair's 1903 Category A-listed Willow Tearoom on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street, which NTS acquired last year.

Elizabeth Davidson, project director for Mackintosh Illuminated, expressed enthusiasm about the selection process and partnership. "We were very impressed with the quality of those who came forward to tender for this project and are incredibly grateful for all the hard work and preparation that goes into a process like this," Davidson said. "We are excited to be working with LDN Architects on this critical development stage, during which we will create detailed plans for the next steps in the conservation of the Hill House, the removal of the pioneering box, and designs for updated visitor facilities at the site."

LDN Architects brings significant experience to the project, having previously worked on a major research contract to document all previous modifications to Hill House. In 2016, the firm provided guidance on imminent render removal work in collaboration with engineer Narro Associates. The practice's portfolio includes several notable heritage projects, such as the Scapa Flow Museum on the Island of Hoy in Orkney, Abbotsford (the historic home of Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders), and NTS's Newhailes property in Musselburgh.

Mark Hopton, partner at LDN, emphasized the significance and challenges of the project. "The Hill House is one of a select few buildings in Scotland that are world-famous. It is Mackintosh's most important domestic design and is one of Scotland's most important contributions to 20th-century world architecture," Hopton stated. "Our challenge is to solve the problems of water ingress that have plagued the building throughout its life, and recover the design authenticity and artistic integrity of Charles Rennie and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh's original design intent."

The timeline for the project includes the planned start of roughcast removal work in October 2025, with the complete removal of the protective box targeted for 2028. While it's unlikely that the new visitor center will be constructed before the protective enclosure is dismantled, the search for a design team is expected to begin within the next few months, with an appointment scheduled for this summer. This careful phasing ensures that conservation work takes priority while preparing for enhanced visitor experiences once the historic building is fully restored to its original splendor.