Building & Renovating 2013 by Peebles Media Group

FREE WITH HOMES & INTERIORS SCOTL AND ISSUE 91

BUILDING&RENOVATING

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING IT RIGHT

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CONTENTS 37

14 FEATURES

CASE STUDIES

05 INTRO

06 THE BIG BUILD

33 BUDGET

14 GROW YOUR OWN

35 EXPERTS

40 GREEN AND GREAT

37 PLANNING

48 LET’S GO OUTSIDE

The beginnings Do the maths Call in the professionals Be prepared and start with a list

A brand-new six-bedroom home Porch and dining extensions Super-efficiency in an eco farmhouse A modern garden extension

38 MAXIMISE

Make the most of what you’ve got

BUSINESS PROFILES

44 ENERGY

Embrace the natural elements

47 STAIRS

CALLUM WALKER ENERGY SOURCE

CORRYARD

JAMstudio

KITCHENS INTERNATIONAL

McNAIRS

RICHMOND HOMES

STRATHEARN STONE & TIMBER

Contemporary design ideas

WELCOME Despite the heartening news of signs of recovery in the Scottish property market, improving your home rather than moving is still a popular choice for many. For those of you who are just beginning to think about it, the Building & Renovating guide will help steer you in the right direction. Extending, building or renovating are exciting paths that will allow you to realise your home’s potential; likewise building your dream home from scratch will have all the bespoke benefits. So, where to begin? We’ve done the groundwork for you, comparing the pros and cons of extending, reconfiguring or starting from the beginning. Then there’s information on the legalities and the various professionals you can turn to for help, as well as essential tips on how to manage your budget. We’ve even explored niche areas such as eco-friendly homes. Now it’s up to you: stop dreaming and start planning… PUBLISHED BY

Cover Image: copyright plusONE; www.shutterstock.com All photography: Shutterstock unless credited otherwise Editor: Gillian Welsh Design: Craig Whiteford Contributors: Fiona Reid, Judy Diamond, Caroline Ednie

11-12 Claremont Terrace, Glasgow, G3 7XR Tel 0141 567 6000 Fax 0141 332 2153 www.homesandinteriorsscotland.com

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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We pride ourselves in offering a truly bespoke service where every piece of furniture is individually created by our skilled in-house designers, crafted to order by our team of expert carpenters & professionally fitted by our own installers. Our design portfolio is diverse covering all styles from period country houses to contemporary city apartments, all carefully hand crafted to last a lifetime.

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BUILDING & RENOVATING

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INTRO

With the right building blocks in place, the path to your dream home will be a lot smoother

ots of people dream of building their own home but never actually do.They can’t find the right plot, they can’t raise the necessary cash, they come up against planners who won’t give permission, or they simply take cold feet. But if you have determination, sufficient funds, good ideas and a large dose of luck, a self-build project can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. Once you get past the difficulty and the stress of building, the payback is huge.You’ll have an individually designed home, one that is almost certainly bigger and better than you’d otherwise have been able to afford. And you’ll be able to tailor the house to your specific needs. A lot of successful self-builders have one thing in common: they have previously got their hands dirty on a renovation, a conversion or an extension. Many of the same challenges and processes are relevant

Discover and note your tastes

to building from scratch, from budgeting to finding an architect, and the experience of this will stand you in good stead. The primary challenge is usually finding a plot. It will help to draw up a clear list when searching for a site.Yes, location is key, but that doesn’t just mean fabulous views; you also have to consider the infrastructure, transport links and schools. Selling agents are a good source of plots but check too with land listing agencies such as the UK Land Directory (www.uklanddirectory. org.uk), PlotBrowser (www.plotbrowser. com) and www.plotfinder.net. PlotSearch by BuildStore (buildstore.co.uk/findingland) is also a handy resource for advice. Homes & Interiors Scotland's website (homesandinteriorsscotland. com) includes a substantial section on architecture covering all types of designs from contemporary to traditional. If you can’t find a plot, consider existing properties that could be demolished.

ost of us know what’s wrong with our homes – but possibly not what would improve them. With so many magazines and TV shows offering different design ideas, it can be hard to know which way to go, or even where to start. If you’re hiring the services of a professional, it will be part of their job to steer you in the right direction, but the more information and

Building on an existing footprint can make it easier to gain planning permission – par ticularly in areas where regulations on new-builds are strict. Look out too for properties with large gardens, as this can give you somewhere to live while building a new house at one end of the garden, before recouping your costs by selling the original property.

"Once you get past the difficulty and the stress of building, the payback is huge" Living close to the build is helpful. Being on-site regularly is crucial for keeping on top of a project. If you’re building far from home and can't rent closer, it is paramount to get yourself a good project manager – it's the only way to make the build go smoothly and ensure your vision is realised.

guidance you can give them, the easier that process will be – and the closer the result will be to meeting your expectations. A mood board is a vital resource: gather images that fit the concept of what you’re hoping to create. And don’t stop at print: Pinterest is a fantastic online tool for collating inspiration as well as an easy way to share those ideas with your architect.

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TO THE MAX When you are an architect building your own home, the pressure is on to get it right first time Words Judy Diamond Photography Andy Marshall

THE BRIEF The construction of a freeflowing family house that draws on the history and context of a wooded rural site. As well as six bedrooms, there is an open-plan kitchenliving room, a drawing room, a wine cellar and attic storage. There is also a separate office, created from a former goat shed. Emphasis was placed on making the house as ecofriendly as possible.

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INFO

What A new six-bedroom house plus an external office Where On the site of a former cottage and farm buildings Architect Max Davidson, the owner Budget Around ÂŁ750,000

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CASE STUDY

s someone whose childhood home was a converted barn, Max Davidson has a deep appreciation of what rural buildings can offer. So when the architect decided to leave London and build a home for himself, his wife Jo and their three children, it made sense to do so on a former farm in the village he'd grown up in, and to draw inspiration from agricultural tradition. Gaining planning permission took nine

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months of careful negotiations, especially as the proposed house, at 4,100ftÂ˛, had a much larger footprint than the farm cottage it would replace. But Davidson's design was sympathetic in scale and form to other buildings in the area, and his case was helped by specifying local materials that drew on neighbouring barn structures and which would age naturally and blend in with the landscape. Picking up on the idea of farm buildings being clustered round a courtyard, the

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[This page, above and below] Three views of the rear elevation, showing the hand-made bricks and western red cedar cladding. Shadow gaps below each panel combined with dark metal-framed windows and frameless balconies give the house a contemporary feel while using recognisably traditional materials. [Opposite] The sinuous curving staircase is lit by vast windows and a wool pendant lampshade by i-feltlikeit.com

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CASE STUDY

“The internal details are all-important – they have to be the best quality you can afford. And high quality materials will often last longer” design was initially U-shaped. This was soon reduced to an L-shape in order to get as much light as possible into the house – a key consideration, since solar gain was to play a major role in making the house as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. The old farm cottage on the site had been uninhabited for a long time, and it and the overgrown bushes around it had to be cleared first. An ancient tumbledown goat shed was retained, however; today, restored and repaired, it makes a fine office at a peaceful distance from the main building.

Materials were carefully chosen to allow the new house to blend in with both the surrounding landscape and the neighbouring properties. Hand-made bricks with a lime-based mortar give a warm texture, while western red cedar cladding was used since it will weather naturally to silver, rooting the house in its setting. As architect and project manager, Davidson had to keep the build on track and on budget. (Funds of £750,000 were available, but this was to cover everything, including demolition, site clearance, groundworks

CHALLENGES “Getting through planning was tough, as was keeping the costs under control,” says Max Davidson, the architect and owner. “The high water table and clay soil meant we had to come up with an alternative to a normal dug basement. And finding the time to manage the design and build and the construction issues while doing my day job was very challenging.”

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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CASE STUDY

[Top left and right] An ingenious solution was needed to create subterranean storage. Clay ground conditions and a high water table ruled out a straightforward dug basement, so the architect commissioned Spiral Cellars (www.spiralcellars.com) to create a bespoke wine cellar, accessed via a discreet hatch in the hall. [Left] A firemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pole allows swift access to the playroom. [Above] The kitchen doors slide open to the garden

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SUSTAINABILITY The architect considered eco technologies such as ground and air-source heat pumps and solar panels, but in the end chose to use the site’s orientation to maximise solar gain. The L-shaped plan captures the south-west sun throughout the day via full-height thermally efficient Velfac windows. Combined with high levels of insulation (including recycled newspaper warmcell insulation), a large 7,000l rainwater harvester and overhanging eaves and balconies at the end of each wing for shelter, the house is wonderfully efficient.

and garden design, plus all finishes and ancillary buildings.) But by keeping overall control, the architect was able to alter the spec and, at times, raise it. "The internal details are all-important – what you touch has to be the best quality you can afford," he says. "Better quality materials will often last longer and require less maintenance. And if you are self-building, you want to ensure that you won't have to live with any regrets." The interior shows off this philosophy to great effect. The floors are just one example – there's beautiful oak parquet from Southern Cross Flooring and a polished concrete floor from White & Reid. The bathrooms, meanwhile, have limestone tiles from Stone Age and Duravit basins, while most of the joinery is bespoke to the architect's designs. Ceiling height is a generous 2.6m, with some double-height rooms for impact on the upper floor and the entrance. The latter has also been equipped with a superb helical staircase that makes a stunning sculptural focal point at the place where the two blocks of accommodation are linked. It is, says the architect, one of his favourite features of the house. With six bedrooms, a large open-plan kitchen-dining-living room, a more formal drawing room, a utility/boot room, a TV/ playroom and plenty of storage thanks to an attic and the installation of a clever subterranean wine cellar from Spiral Cellars, life in this house flows easily and efficiently, just as Davidson intended. "I wanted to build a family home that's designed around the way we live, using materials that will enrich our lives. " It looks as if he has succeeded in doing exactly that.

[Above] The master en-suite has two Aston Matthews Astonian Novo washbasins on a bespoke timber vanity unit and an Astonian Verona cast-iron roll-top bath in cornflower blue. [Below, left] The calm, airy office. [Below right] The double-height master bedroom extends into the roof space

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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CASE STUDY

PLANS AND DRAWINGS The building design started off as a U-shape, mimicking the tradition of grouping a farmhouse and its outbuildings around a courtyard. When this looked likely to block too much sunlight, the southern section was removed. This substantially reduced the size of the house and opened up the two remaining wings to the sun. “Don’t forget the context of the site and its history, if there is any,” says the architect. “We used old maps and researched the farm’s past to help with siting. We even used a historic map of the area to obscure glass in the downstairs bathroom.”

“If you are self-building, you’ve got to do everything you can to ensure you don’t end up living with anything you regret” Every detail counts, says Max Davidson. “Think about the prevailing winds when deciding which way the windows will open. Our house has full-height glazing to aid natural light, but only the top half opens. The bottoms are toughened glass, which gives the opportunity for each window to act as a balcony too.” With solar gain so important, the south-western orientation is crucial – but that could run the risk of overheating the interior. Davidson’s design counteracts this with overhanging eaves and balconies to provide natural shade, along with a timber pergola which, in time, will be covered with climbing plants. This will add shade as well as blending the house into its surroundings.

Getting the design approved by the planners was a long and arduous process. It was granted with minor alterations after presentations had been made to the local parish council, ward councillors, neighbours and planners

FRONT AND REAR ELEVATIONS

GROUND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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call our advice line now and find out how to cut your energy bills Home Energy Scotland offers clear and impartial advice on making your home warmer and cheaper to heat. To speak to one of our advisors, call Home Energy Scotland free* on 0808 808 2282. We offer a range of help, including: • • • •

Free energy saving advice to help save you money Ways to make your home more energy efficient Advice on generating your own energy Information about UK and Scottish Government energy efficiency grants and schemes

Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm. *Calls from landlines and most mobile networks are free. KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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INFO

What A traditional four-bedroom cottage Where East Neuk, Fife Architect Fife Architects, 01333 313578, www.fifearchitects.com Construction time Ten weeks Structural engineer McGregor McMahon, Dunfermline

THE BRIEF To create a new extension to the kitchen of an old cottage, to be used as a dining area large enough to seat eight people. A new porch was also to be added to the main entrance of the cottage. Both additions were to be sympathetic to the look of the original building, but at the same time had to provide a fresh update to the house by using clean lines, simple forms and natural materials

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CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

Growth industry An impossible time scale pushed the builders of this smart extension to the limits of their endeavour and ingenuity Words Judy Diamond Photography Fermin Beltran

here's nothing like a wedding looming on the horizon to focus the mind on getting things done. The owners of this charming cottage in Fife didn't just have to think about buying a new hat or hiring a kilt, though: as the parents of the groom, some of the celebrations both before and after the ceremony would be held at their house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they didn't have a room to do justice to the event. In November 2012, nine months before the big day, they called in Fife Architects, based nearby in Kilrenny, and explained the situation.They needed an extension, ideally to the kitchen, which could be used as a light,

spacious dining room. It would also make sense to have a new entrance porch built at the same time. After several site visits and discussions with the contractor, the architects drew up two initial proposals for the design. One satisfied the clients' desires more fully â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and seemed more feasible in the time frame. It consisted of a timber-clad porch with natural slate roof tiles and a cantilevered burr elm bench at the front.The dining extension, measuring 17m2 and with the same external materials, has a fully glazed gable with glazed bi-folded doors that open on to the garden. The porch is a miniature version of the form of the dining extension, and both have

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PORCH OPTION 1

PLANS AND DRAWINGS Initial designs were sketched by hand to enable the client to visualise the ideas. A strong concept from the start was to have ‘extruded’ eaves over the gable end of both dining extension and porch – extruding the eaves at the dining extension was to provide fixed solar shading for the largely glazed gable and prevent overheating in warmer weather. The porch eaves provide shelter from the elements. The cantilevered eaves on both builds are at one side which give a modern look, but more importantly allow clear access around the corners of the buildings. Vertical board-on-board cladding was used for ease of construction and is more economical than profiled cladding such as shiplap. Board-on-board also allows more of a building tolerance as the vertical boards overlap each other.

PORCH OPTION 2

EXTENSION DRAWING

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CASESTUDY STUDY CASE

[Above] The larch cladding had been painted pale blue, which looks good against the slate roof and the timber decking, and the original stone of the house. [Left] A woodburning stove and flue were installed

CHALLENGES Apart from the tight schedule – the job had a very clear end date – the major challenge was deciding on the exterior finishes. The plan was originally to leave the larch cladding untreated, but fears about how it would weather (larch sometimes turns black depending on the moisture content of the air) persuaded the clients to go with a painted finish.

a mainly timber super-structure.The latter required a steel portal frame to prevent the building from twisting, as the client requested no ceiling ties in the dining extension. It had to be a clear, vaulted space. It was also highly insulated to compensate for the large amounts of glazing and to meet building regulations. Inside, 18mm solid oak flooring was specified, along with the installation of a Charnwood woodburning stove and flue. The contractor had been able to provide accurate build costs based on the initial design, so the clients had a very realistic idea of what the final bill would be.This was important – with no time to go down the usual procurement route of tendering, the clients had little bargaining power. But the figures quoted were reasonable, given the time constraints. With all of this agreed, the design was progressed to a planning application, which was submitted in February 2013.This proved straightforward – the house stands alone and is not listed, and is surrounded by fields and mature woodland. Planning consent was granted in early April. So tight was the deadline that a warrant application was submitted on 1 April (before planning consent had been received!).This was approved just in time, on 7 May, which gave the contractor a ten-week window in which to complete the job. Work on site went smoothly, helped by

frequent meetings between the contractor and the clients.The joiners were on site full time – this was very useful for the contractor's progress. As with any build, however, several problems arose that threatened to derail the project.The first of these was when the digger got stuck in a marshy corner of the garden. It took the swift construction of a temporary road to overcome this. Soon after, a subcontractor positioned the crucial steel portal in the wrong place. It was just 40cm out, but it would have meant the glazed gable would have been narrower than planned.The contractor took decisive action, ripping out the already concreted steel and repositioning it. The Velux windows for the extension roof also caused problems – they turned out to be much smaller than had been specified. Again, the contractor acted responsibly, removing the windows and replacing them with ones of the right size. The larch cladding was painted a light blue/ green, timber decking was installed and the garden was largely restored to its former glory. Remarkably, the project was completed on time, and the wedding celebrations were able to go ahead as planned. Clients, architects and contractor agree that good communications, early decision-making, a lot of effort and working as a team were the recipe for turning a difficult proposition into a triumph.

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE Everyone should have access to the latest developments in renewable energy, says Callum Walker Energy Source

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team will find solutions that will work in harmony with the rest of the building and genuinely improve its energy efficiencyâ&#x20AC;?

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BUSINESSPROFILE PROFILE

[Left] A large format triple-glazed window system by Internorm. [Clockwise from above left] Glass-to-glass corner details available in triple glazed format; Callum Walker offers a mixture of solutions to fit timber or aluminium clad façades; the new showroom in Rosyth has many displays in life-like settings; over thirty Passivhaus certified products are on display which you can see, feel and touch

allum Walker Energy Source is at the forefront of developments in renewable energy, Passivhaus technology and integrated energy systems, providing clients with in-depth knowledge and expertise in everything from tripleglazing to biomass boiler systems. Staff at the Rosyth-based firm are trained in architectural and building technology. They make it their mission to understand a project’s every requirement and come up with real solutions. Whether you need a large-format triple-glazed window system, a biomass boiler or an entire integrated energy system with photo-voltaic or renewable heat, the team will be able to find solutions that will not only work in harmony with the rest of the building but genuinely improve its energy efficiency. With a 12,000 ft² energy centre newly opened in Rosyth, clients and architects have the opportunity for the first time to see, feel and touch the benefits of renewable technology and energy-efficient glass systems. They will also discover a reliable source of knowledge and advice to help every building project go from conception to completion.

TIPS • When trying to build a Passivhaus or low energy house, the fundamental rule is ‘fabric first’. Before deciding on the colour of your windows, think about how the building is going to be constructed. Focus on the insulation in the walls, roof and floor … if you don’t get these right then there is no point in thinking about renewables. It would be like fitting a Ferrari engine into a Reliant Robin. • The first thing to get cut out of budgets when constructing an energy

efficient building or Passivhaus is the windows. This is a mistake: you get what you pay for. Spend money on good windows and it will make the difference in years to come. • Remember when considering renewables and low energy products that each element impacts on the next. Better windows and insulation mean lower heat loss; the lower the heat loss the smaller the heating demand.This in turn means smaller boiler, heat pump or bio-mass. system.

CALLUM WALKER ENERGY SOURCE 24 Fairykirk Road, Carnegie Rosyth, Fife, KT11 2QQ T. 01383 415914 www.energy-source.co.uk Twitter: @cwenergysource facebook.com/cwenergysource

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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BUILT TO LAST Corryard is recognised for its sympathetic conversions of old properties as well as its construction of stylish new-build homes

orryard, the award-winning house builder, has earned a reputation for work of the highest quality. Since it was founded in 2006, the firm has specialised in home renovation, restoration and new-build homes. Working within Perthshire and throughout central Scotland, its reputation has grown through personal recommendation and word-of-mouth. With a team of dedicated, skilled craftsmen, Corryard works closely with clients on each part of their project to ensure that expectations are not just met but exceeded, time and time again. The teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to provide the highest quality finished product to clients, together with clear, honest and open communication throughout the build process. Client satisfaction is central to Corryard operations from the initial quotation all the way through to project completion. Despite being a relative newcomer to the building industry, Corryard has already made its mark, winning the category for Best Large Renovation in the UK at the Federation of Master Builders Awards in 2010 (for the conversion of Locherlour Mill) and, more recently, when it won Best Renovation Project at the Scottish Home Awards in 2013 (for a highly acclaimed barn conversion), proving that the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work really does speak for itself. To discuss the individual needs of your project, contact John Burke at Corryard on 07850 857550.

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BUSINESS PROFILE [Clockwise from left] Locherlour Mill; staircase and kitchen at Wester Deuglie – which won Best Renovation at the Scottish Home Awards; sitting and dining room in property extension

TIPS • Do your homework. If you are appointing a builder, ask around to find out what their reputation is like or ask to speak to clients they have already done work for. It will give you a good indication of the standard of their work and how reliable they are. • Plan, plan, plan. The more you’ve got nailed down decision-wise before the builder starts the quicker and smoother your project will run. • Work closely with your architect or builder at the planning stage, thinking realistically about how you are going to live in the space that’s being created.

Corryard

Unit 8, Croich Business Centre, Croich Place, Crieff PH7 3BW www.corryard.com john@corryard.com www.facebook.com/Corryard

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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SWEET SUCCESS

Aberdeenshire practice JAMstudio has won prizes for several of its recent projects, and looks set to go from strength to strength

AMstudio is an award-winning RIASchartered architectural practice based in the north-east of Scotland. We are passionate about great design and its power to create amazing spaces, whether for a one-off family home or for an inspirational workplace. At the heart of what we do is the belief that good design has the power to resolve any spatial challenge. We provide a wide range of different services, including architectural and interior design, furniture procurement and project management. Our expertise in residential building design means we are very well placed to assist on domestic projects of any size. This has been recognised in a number of awards we have won recently, both regionally and nationally, including Conversion of the Year at the Scottish Homes Awards and being nominated as a finalist at Channel 4’s Grand Design Awards, as well as numerous recommendations from highly satisfied clients. Our ethos is simple: do projects we enjoy and do them extremely well.

[Clockwise from above] The kitchen at Little Maldron Mill – a conversion complete with a reinstated working water wheel; exterior of Little Maldron Mill; glass, zinc and oak combine to make a contemporary light and bright extension; creating a ‘wow’ factor helical glass, steel and oak staircase centrepiece; modern kitchen

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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BUSINESS PROFILE

TIPS

“Choose your design team with care. It’s going to be a long working relationship, so you need to feel comfortable with everyone from the outset”

• Don’t skimp on good quality lighting. Buy the best fittings you can afford and take advice from a professional on how to light your space. • Use colour and don’t be afraid to be bold. Colourful statement pieces of furniture can do wonders for most spaces. Or use a bold block of colour on a wall and keep the rest of the space simple with white. • Be realistic about your budget. You might only build your own house once, so make sure you know what you’re getting for your money. • Choose your design team with care. It’s going to be a long working relationship, so you need to feel comfortable with everyone from the outset. • Full-height floor-to-ceiling mirrors can do much to fool the eye and make a small space feel a very great deal bigger. • Concealed lighting is extremely flattering to most skin tones and much more comfortable to live with on a day-to-day basis. On top of that, these clever little details can often be the making of a space, so think about how you might incorporate them into your project. • Be as well prepared as possible. Do lots of research and try to have a clear brief from the outset. And have fun – contrary to popular belief, it can be fun and extremely rewarding to make new space!

JAMstudio Ltd

Unit 6, Netherton Business Centre, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire AB51 5LX T. 01467 641670 www.jamstudio.uk.com info@jamstudio.uk.com JAMstudio is both a RIAS and RIBA-chartered architectural practice

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Employing all the staff required for both design and installation allows Kitchens International to oversee every project in perfect detail

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BUSINESS PROFILE

The bespoke Kitchens International Mowlem & Co island, in bookmatched zebrano wood veneer, is curved in shape. LED strip lights inserted under the island make it a key feature, as well as giving prominence to the finish which mirrors the stunning woodland scenery outside

itchens International is the UK’s largest independent, luxury kitchen retailer, with six showrooms across the country. Since it was established in 1994, the company has grown to create an unrivalled award-winning reputation as one of the UK’s most respected kitchen specialists. The company employs over 70 professional members of staff, ranging from designers, installers and project managers right through to client-specific project co-ordinators. As an independent kitchen company, Kitchens International is completely unrestricted in being able to offer Britain’s most comprehensive collection of kitchen products. Over the years, the firm has built up partnering relationships with topof-the-range producers and exceptional names such as Poggenpohl, Stoneham, Mowlem & Co, Leicht, RW Kuhlman, Callerton, V-Zug, Siemens, Gaggenau, Quooker and Kohler. Kitchens International’s reputation has been built on total customer care from the moment a prospective client walks into the showroom until the kitchen is completely fitted. Customer care is loosely used by others but rarely backed with the investment and belief to make it happen. As one of the very few kitchen companies to employ all the staff required for designing and fitting kitchens, Kitchens International is as passionate about the design as it is about the minutiae of installation. This is the principle upon which the company has been built, and endorsement of this service is plain to see from the huge number of referrals from past clients. With every design bespoke to the client, Kitchens International, as a completely independent company, can adapt to whatever is required. The only thing that stays the same is the high level of customer service throughout the process and extreme attention to detail.

TIPS • Tell the kitchen designer how you want to use the kitchen and what’s important to you. A skilled designer will be able to create a kitchen specifically for you rather than giving you something off the peg. • Your kitchen can only ever be as good as the people who install it. However stylish and creative the design, it can be ruined by shoddy workmanship, so ensure the installers are as good as the designers. • Use colour as an accent rather than for the whole kitchen – that way, feature walls and textures can easily be changed in years to come.

“Every kitchen is bespoke. The only thing that stays the same is the high level of customer service and attention to detail”

Kitchens International East Mains Industrial Estate, 11 Youngs Road, Broxburn, Edinburgh EH52 5LY T. 0845 0740022 www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

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Three decades of supplying the building trade’s every need has given McNairs unrivalled experience

s it approached 30 years in business, McNairs Timber, Building and Roofing Supplies found it was offering so many products that the company name was in danger of becoming a bit of a mouthful! As well as being a popular supplier to niche trades such as landscapers, dryliners, roofers, joiners and builders – and, of course, DIYers and householders – it had also added plumbing and heating supplies and kitchens and bathrooms to its long list of product specialities.Therefore, rather than attempting to squeeze all of these into its name, the company has now simply adopted its nickname of ‘McNairs’. McNairs has launched a new home improvement showroom that is perfect for anyone who is planning a renovation project, whether it be simply replacing mirrored wardrobes or going all the way and building a new house.There is inspiration for all, with fantastic new kitchen and bathroom displays, stair parts, stunning internal and

external doors, a library of bricks, Velux windows, ironmongery and much more. All of this, of course, is backed up by helpful service and advice, as managing director Brian Ballantyne explains: “I think what really sets us apart from our competitors is our experience and knowledge of the industry – and the fact that our people are passionate about their work. We employ over 60 people and are proud that today some of our employees have been with us for ten, 15 – even 25 years! “Our customers can usually get most of what they need right here without having to go to different suppliers. With storage space extending to over 64,000 ft² on a four-acre site, we can accommodate not just a comprehensive range of materials but a real depth of stock that no one else in west central Scotland can come close to matching.” The company’s ‘superbranch’ in

Kirkintilloch, just outside Glasgow, is ideally located to service central Scotland, with a fleet of 13 trucks offering a next-day delivery service. McNairs has great long-standing relationships with its customers – these are busy people who want to place their order in the knowledge and security that they will receive their delivery – correctly and on time – the next day. Pop in for a chat about your next project – this company loves nothing better than helping to take customers’ dream projects from planning to completion. [Clockwise from above left] Let the sunshine in – the Velux and flooring range brings in warmth and light; nothing makes a statement quite like an oak door – make yours with one of McNairs’ stunning pairs; choose a Monza kitchen for a compelling combination of good looks and practicality

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BUSINESS PROFILE

TIPS • Plan ahead. Make sure you have decided on your materials and finishings in advance so your builders know exactly what you want. That way, they won’t have to choose things for you and it avoids any costly hold-ups on site. • Brochures are great but it really helps to see materials in person and in natural light that’s why we spend a lot of time and money renewing our displays every year. • Rather than request a price for a specific item, talk to your supplier about the project as a whole. They should always show a genuine interest in what you are trying to achieve. We offer a dedicated account manager service as it really helps us to get to know our customers and their project in

“What sets us apart is our experience and knowledge of the industry – and the fact that our people are passionate about their work”

order to be able to fully understand their requirements and provide the best possible discount! • If you don’t see what you want, ask for an alternative. We will always try to source unusual or bespoke items from our bank of suppliers which we have built up over the years. • Experience counts. We’ve helped on all sorts of projects over the years, from small garden refurbs to stunning self-builds and large developments such as golf clubs, restaurants and even housing developments. We will happily supply the wood for a single dog kennel or everything for a pet hotel!

McNairs Old Mill Park, Glasgow Road, Kirkintilloch G66 1SS T. 0141 777 8080 www.mcnairs.co.uk enquiries@mcnairs.co.uk

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Family affair Three generations of the same family have led Richmond Homes to success in the luxury new-build business

TIPS • Choose the location of your home carefully so that it suits not just your current lifestyle but the way it will be in the future too. Richmond Homes chooses development sites that have peaceful country settings in beautiful landscapes, yet which have easy access to major transport networks, cities and schools. • When designing your home on-site, make sure you get

the best of its situation for views and access to the outdoors. Think about the direction of the sun to ensure you get as much sunlight as possible all the year round – it will do wonders for your heating budget. • Think long and hard about how to make your home as ecofriendly as possible. It might sound expensive but the costs will be recouped over the years in energy and maintenance savings.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

“Each development site is different but every Richmond home is finished to the same very high standard and specification”

[Clockwise from left] Award-winning development Wood of Coldrain in Kinross; a bespoke project with pool; enhancing traditional features in an Edinburgh conversion; a luxury designed kitchen; high quality finishes are a hallmark of Richmond Homes

ichmond Homes provides a design and build service for luxury family homes across east and central Scotland and the Scottish Borders. The company is an award-winning family business that stretches back three generations – it takes its name from Harry Richmond, grandfather of Calum Stewart, the current owner and managing director. Richmond Homes’ main aim, since its earliest beginnings, has always been to seek out the best available land on which to construct new homes that will complement their location and be outstanding in the quality of their build and design. The company is committed to building houses that are both sustainable and luxurious. It offers green solutions that not only reduce the life cost of each

house, making them less expensive and more efficient to run, but also kinder to the environment thanks to a reduction in carbon emissions and the innovative use of natural resources. Wherever possible natural materials, sourced locally, are used in the construction. Richmond Homes currently has four development sites in central Scotland (three in Perthshire and one in Fife), and all offer luxury family homes with three to five bedrooms and spacious living areas. Each development site is different but every Richmond home is finished to the same very high standard and specification. Customers have the flexibility to make their home unique in terms of layout, fittings and finishes to suit their own taste, style and budget.

Richmond Homes Laich House, 6 Castle Court, Carnegie Campus, Dunfermline, Fife KT11 8PB T. 01383 622127 www.richmondhomes.co.uk calumstewart@richmondhomes.co.uk

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NATURAL TALENT

As a specialist in exceptional flooring, Strathearn Stone &Timber focuses on unique, incomparable materials that will last a lifetime

A picture is never enough! To understand the true beauty and texture of the company’s stone and timber finishes, a visit to ‘The Workshop’ is a must!

trathearn Stone & Timber has been creating exceptional floors of the very highest quality for more than ten years. The company understands that a stone or timber floor is a lifetime commitment and never a decision to be taken lightly. For that reason, the team will be on hand to guide clients through the buying and installation process every step of the way. Strathearn has worked with both contemporary designs and traditional

homes, historic restoration projects and outdoor spaces, creating floors that are defined by a timeless aesthetic. The Strathearn showroom at Forteviot is a peaceful, natural and dynamic place, reflecting the company’s passion for design excellence. It sits in a tiny conservation village surrounded by beautiful countryside just outside Perth. It’s the perfect place to talk through your ideas, discover the diversity of stone and timber and be part of the process that will create a space that

you’ll want to live with forever. No two stone or timber floors are exactly alike, and that’s par t of the pleasure of working with natural materials. The people at Strathearn Stone & Timber know their products and how they behave so their involvement in planning, installation and after-care is invaluable. Their approach is always intelligent and constructive, from the first measurement to the final finish, and they specialise in finding practical, imaginative solutions. The finishing touches are just as important as the building foundations, so their hardwood and stone flooring range is complemented by bespoke solid timber doors, oak skirtings, facings and feature beams, hearthstones, external patio stone/ cobbles and decking – a one-stop shop for those undertaking a major renovation or self-build. Everything supplied and installed by the team at Strathearn Stone & Timber is as important to them as it is to you.

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PROFILE

“The Strathearn showroom at Forteviot is a peaceful, natural and dynamic place, reflecting the company’s passion for design excellence”

TIPS • To prevent staining and to make cleaning easier, natural stone must always be sealed correctly. Don’t forget that the grout will need to be sealed too. • When buying natural stone or timber, make sure that you view a good-sized sample floor area or display panel (such as those in the Strathearn showroom at Forteviot).Variation is a feature of natural stone and timber – so photographs and small samples won’t give a clear picture of what you’re getting. • Always allow for a percentage of wastage when ordering stone and timber flooring. We allow 5% extra for timber and 10% extra for stone.There is nothing worse than discovering your gorgeous floor is going to be one plank or tile short.

Strathearn Stone & Timber Ltd The Workshop, Forteviot, Perthshire PH2 9BT T. 01746 684836 www.stoneandtimber.co.uk info@stoneandtimber.co.uk

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Steel reinforced hardwood entrance, internal feature and garage doors e: info@urbanfront.co.uk www.urbanfront.co.uk t:01494 778787

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BUDGET

Taking a realistic, rational approach to finances from the start is the only way to stop your project turning into a money pit

hether you’re building a whole new house or just fixing up an old one, you’re going to be spending a sizeable sum of money. How much? “Figure out your budget and then double it – that’s what you’ll need,” is the advice you often hear, but it really shouldn't be like that. If you’re realistic about what you can achieve, and don’t change your mind too often once work actually starts, it should be possible to come in close to your initial budget. This, of course, will only be the case if the building work does not uncover any expensive problems; setting aside a contingency fund for emergencies is wise. Think carefully about what you need from your home, and be honest about which elements are vital and which aren’t. Be realistic. If you want a ‘grand design’, don’t think you can cut corners and get the

look on a shoestring.You can’t. Whether you’re working with an architect or directly with a contractor, be upfront about your budget from the outset. “Talk about money from the start,” says Adam Toleman of Falkirk-based Arka Architects. “You might be able to afford just 70% of what you want, so figure out which elements are the most important. “Things do creep once you’ve specified which kitchen you want or particular fittings. Sometimes clients will say, ‘Go ahead’, but at the end of the day it can be stressful because the budget is being stretched too far. So get your priorities clear and stick to them.” Talk to your lender early too, so you have an idea of how much you can spend on the work. “Often the sum being lent depends on how much value the changes will add

"Be honest about which elements are vital and which aren't"

to the property. Just be prepared for a conservative valuation of your house.” Get ready to compromise, in other words, while appreciating that compromise isn’t a dirty word. It might mean looking beyond your first choice of floor finish or kitchen; it might mean investing in high-quality insulation rather than more expensive eco features. Factoring in the cost of the internal fittings at the start is essential here. “You don’t want to end up with a building shell with nothing in it,” says Toleman. “Make sure your architect understands the level of finish you want, and that adequate allowance is made for it.” Stay focused on the bigger picture, in other words, and be canny about sourcing. It’s obvious, really, but shop around. If that first-choice flooring is too expensive, consider reclaimed options. If the kitchen you love is out of your price range, think about customising a less expensive design with a great worktop or backsplash or tap. Make these decisions early – changing your mind mid-project will slow things down. “A professional doesn’t have time to run around everywhere. They will have two or three source points and will get the best price from them,” Toleman says. “If the clients are willing to do the legwork and search harder, they can make substantial savings.” Finally, be honest with yourself: living in a building site is messy and stressful – could you stay in your home through the upheaval of a build? Many people say they can and then admit afterwards that they would never do it again. If you do decide to move out, factor the cost of renting into the budget at the start.

BUILDING & RENOVATING

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EXPERTS The cost of hiring an architect is nearly always offset by savings in time, stress and legal wrangling

A professional

approach

f your project looks as if it’s going to gobble up every penny you’ve got, you might feel tempted to do as much of the work as you can by yourself – including the job of architect. But a fully trained professional will bring a keen design eye and a fresh perspective to your ideas, as well as a wealth of problem-solving experience. “Hiring a professional can elevate a good design concept into a great design concept,” says architect Adam Toleman. An architect will spot the hidden challenges of a project, and can advise on all necessary submissions for planning approval and building warrants. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) is a great resource for finding an architect whose aesthetic matches your project. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from previous clients. Fees will be charged either as a lump sum, a percentage of the build cost or an hourly rate, and different architects will take a different approach. Toleman charges most domestic work as a lump sum – with caveats factored in. As he says: “It gives the client more certainty about costs.” Helen Lucas’s practice typically charges a percentage of the build. “We usually go for a lump sum for initial feasibility, and then a percentage of the build cost. In some cases we charge an hourly rate with budgetary caps, where we would alert the client if they were using up more time than was budgeted for,” she explains. Remember, cheapest isn’t always best when quality is a consideration. This holds true when choosing a builder contractor. Ian Murray, of the all-trade building company SI Construction, has sound advice on this subject: “Whoever is quoting for a job should give you an itemised breakdown. Sometimes when we’re up for a job we find that another builder has quoted 15% less, but it’s just a finished fee; there’s no detailed breakdown.” Be wary, he says: "transparency is crucial with a contractor".

Seizing control There’s more to project management than just common sense and planning. Experience can make all the difference

uccessful project management comes down to planning, says Ian Murray of SI Construction, and he should know – he manages builds and renovations on a daily basis. “Whatever your project is, write a list of what needs to be done, in the order it needs to be done, ideally using an Excel spreadsheet,” he says. “If it’s an extension, you need to get planning permission, you need to get a building warrant, you need a quote for the stonemason, and so on. Simply by writing everything down usually throws up twenty things you hadn’t thought of. It can be small details: maybe you’re

reconfiguring a space and you’ve forgotten you need to move a radiator – that’s the kind of thing that will hold up the plasterer and end up costing you money.” Project management may seem like common sense – and some people relish a hands-on role in their own build – but there are benefits to using a professional. “It will be marginally more expensive, but a professional will get a better discount on materials, and that saving is passed on to the client,” Murray says. “We’ll do the job faster, in a more streamlined way, and with less wastage. A project manager will simply make life easier.”

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PLANNING street smart

ou might have the most brilliant design in mind for your home – but will you be allowed to build it? It is essential to find out if there are any restrictions on what kind of work is permitted in your neighbourhood. If your house plot is in a conservation area, for example, or if you want to alter a listed building, the local planning department will want to get involved. There may also be restrictions on removing trees on the site. Edinburgh-based architect Helen Lucas advises doing some research before you even begin to think seriously about making changes to your home. “Log on to your local authority planning portal and find out the whole history of the property, including whether your house is listed or in a conservation zone,” she says. “And find out whether any plans have been turned down in the past. Do a street search and find out if any neighbours have done similar work. If they've had dormers added, for example, it’s likely that you’ll be able to do the same.” Likewise, if you see an extension you like in your area, ask who the builder was, or the architect. Perhaps they have a particular tradesman they would recommend. Find out if there were any problems getting planning permission. People who have been down this road already can offer great practical advice – and cautionary tales.

‘Be prepared’ is not just for Boy Scouts: it’s also the motto of every successful renovator and builder Think about what works well in your home as it is, and what doesn’t, and create a detailed brief. If you’re extending your kitchen, creating a garden room or converting the attic, consider not just what you need from the new space but how that might impact on the rest of the house. Will your new garden room make the sitting room redundant? Will your attic conversion need a staircase – and if so, where will it go?

in a specialist – and budget accordingly. “With most of our clients, we get involved with these additional elements at the tendering stage,” says architect Helen Lucas. “Usually people are more prepared to economise on audio-visual and lighting to get the bones of the building right. Likewise, with a kitchen, you can spend anything from £6,000 to £60,000 on it – it just depends on your priorities.”

Consider functionality as carefully as you consider aesthetics. Project manager Ian Murray says he’s had clients who have specified precisely which appliances they want for their new kitchen, but haven’t given any thought to storage or sufficient work surfaces. So think about how you’ll use the space. And don’t leave the contractor to guess what you want: every last detail should be factored into the plans before work starts on site, right down to the placement of the electric sockets.

When architect Adam Toleman built his own home near Falkirk on a tight budget of £200,000, he meticulously planned every detail. “My wife and I asked ourselves: are there rooms we’ll use daily, weekly, monthly or annually? If the answer was annually or monthly, that room got shelved; if weekly, it was debated in detail; if daily, it got into the finished design. Apply this approach for projects of any size.

Plan out integrated elements such as audio-visual systems or lighting systems at the outset. If you have very specific requirements, it can be best to bring

Finally, plan ahead. If you’re investing significantly in your home, think of how your living space needs to evolve with you over time. Don’t simply focus on what you need now, but what you might appreciate in five or ten years' time.

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MAXIMISE REMAKEREMODEL A few carefully considered alterations can unlock the potential in your house, making living there a pleasure

here was a time not so long ago when extending, converting or modernising a property was a welltrodden path to quickly adding value before selling up – and always for a profit. The recession put paid to this attitude, of course, bringing a dose of realism to the market. Today, quality counts, and there is little chance of making a fast buck. The deflated property market has also made us reconsider attitudes towards selling. When you add on estate agents’ fees and stamp duty, selling isn’t cheap, and as owners are no longer achieving the inflated prices of recent years, there isn’t the same incentive to sell. Of course, people will always have to move for work or family reasons, but more are now reconsidering the homes they have. Why go through the upheaval and cost of moving if you’re already somewhere you like, with great amenities and good schools? Instead, ask yourself if you can create additional space by extending into the garden, attic or basement. Sometimes a property can be vastly improved simply by changing the existing layout – perhaps opening up the floor plan to create a better flow, or using excess circulation or storage space to form an additional living area. In 2013 – and looking ahead – it’s all about making the most of what you have.

POWER OF POSITIVE CHANGE [Clockwise from above] Not enough space to build across? Then build upwards; take advantage of double-height ceilings to put in a mezzanine – a multifunctional space that can be used as a study or an occasional guest accommodation; who says an upper conversion or attic has to be reached by an internal staircase? A striking glass-panelled staircase running up an exterior wall will set your home apart – should the planners permit it; tired kitchens will always benefit from a makeover, but don’t think you have to stick to the fully fitted option. Cleverly constructed freestanding elements can be both practical and elegant and leave room for further customisation

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KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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THE BRIEF To build a five-bedroom farmhouse on a working farm in Dumfries and Galloway. The house was to be deeply connected to the landscape that surrounds it, built to be able to withstand the worst of the Scottish weather and to make as little impact as possible on the environment

PART OF THE LANDSCAPE An ultra-efficient eco farmhouse in Dumfriesshire has been designed to leave its surroundings untouched Words Judy Diamond Photography Gordon Rae Photography

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CASE STUDY

espite its close connection to the land, the farming industry, with its pesticides and fertilisers, is nowhere near the top of any league table for environmentally friendliness. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Neil Gourlay of Dumfries has already won Britain’s Green Energy Farmer of the Year award for his sustainable approach, and he stands to win another prize – for the house that sits on his farm. As the third generation of his family to work the Cairn valley, he knows about life in south-western Scotland. The fertile fields and wooded hills look beautiful under a hot summer sun; but, come the winter, this is a harsh, unforgiving landscape in which to survive. Neil and his wife Mary love it here, though, and want to share their belief that rural areas can provide bountiful renewable resources for all of society – so long as there is wise stewardship of the land. They commissioned Mark Waghorn Architects to build them a house that would demonstrate this principle – and which would also be a warm, comfortable place to live all year round. “It had always been my ambition to build a house,” says Neil. “We just thought that if we were going to do something, we should make it interesting, different and as environmentally friendly as possible.” Mark Waghorn shares the Gourlays’ eco-focused approach, and the design he came up with is deeply connected to the landscape. In many ways, the house is not new at all, as much of the building material has had a previous life on the farm. The stone that makes up some of the walls has been gathered over generations from the fields. The cladding comes from oak trees felled on the farm,

INFO

What A five-bedroom farmhouse built largely from reclaimed materials Where Near Moniaive, south-west Scotland Architect Mark Waghorn Architects, 01550 777917, www.markwaghorn.co.uk

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CASE STUDY

Montage

DESIGN MATTERS “The forms and materials of the context provided the inspiration for the design of the house,” says the architect, Mark Waghorn. “Its siting, in front of a rocky outcrop, immediately adjacent to a copse of trees, ensures that the building is rooted to the land.” Helping this impression further is the incorporation of the dry-stone wall into the plans. “The west elevation of the living area and the clerestory windows spanning between the main spine wall and the roof are entirely glazed with minimal aluminium framing. This ensures that this wall is clearly seen passing through the house from outside, so that the house is not seen as a single mass but as a seamless part of the surroundings.” The sloped roof is turfed and, when viewed from across the valley, is barely visible against the hill behind – just as planned. LOWER LEVEL PLANS

and the insulation is wool from the sheep that graze on the hill. The interiors have been finished and furnished following the same ethos: the timber for the stair is from a cattle barn; skins from cows have been used for upholstery. The WCs, basins and taps were all reclaimed, and the flooring in the living room was made by Jaraboski from old railway sleepers. Every detail tells of a previous life and makes each corner of the house unique. The surrounding fields are divided up by dry-stone dykes, one of which runs right through the house, becoming an internal wall. Like the turf roof, cut from a nearby field, it ties the house firmly to the landscape. The energy-saving elements of the build were crucial too. Tripleglazed, timber-framed windows made by Ling Joinery in Penrith and fixed triple glazing by NorDan let light deep into the interior. The sun’s warmth is captured by the internal stone walls and by the thermal bricks surrounding the kachelofen (a highly efficient log-burner that uses technology from the Middle Ages), which then slowly releases it, helping to maintain an even temperature. Further warmth comes from a ground-source heat pump and Rehau underfloor heating. This is backed up by a Genvex heat recovery ventilation system which allows the house to be air-tight but still have fresh air. Solar panels provide hot water, while out on the hill behind the house is a 34m-high wind turbine which is expected to produce enough electricity for 25 homes each year, and should pay for itself in three years’ time. The Gourlays’ couldn’t be happier with their new/old home, which they call Three Glens.Their understanding of the bond between the farmer, the land and the climate has produced something truly special that should keep the family here for generations to come.

UPPER LEVEL PLANS

[Above] The architect’s drawings show how the house burrows into the earth, simultaneously using the land as shelter and to make itself less obtrusive. The building has several different aspects, creating sun-traps and wind-breaks. [Previous page] The old stone wall that runs through the heart of the house adds stunning texture and stores heat from the sun’s rays. Similarly, the whitepainted thermal bricks around the kachelofen capture its warmth and release it efficiently

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ENERGY POWER OF NATURE Harness the wind and the sun to fuel your home but don’t underestimate the difference basics such as decent draughtproofing can make

lot of simple improvements will cut your home’s energy costs. Gas central heating is more efficient than electric alternatives, but only if you have a decent boiler: older models aren’t nearly as efficient as new ones – which is relevant when you consider that boilers account for 60% of annual spending on energy bills. Up to £400 is available for a new boiler through the Green Homes Cashback Scheme, an initiative run by the Scottish government. It also offers owner-occupiers, private and social tenants and private-sector landlords up to £1,200 towards energy-efficiency measures that are recommended in the

Green Deal assessment. As well the grants available towards the cost of a new boiler, there is money for insulation and other measures such as glazing and LED lighting. “If you’re building an extension, you’ll

panels. “Even if you can’t install solar panels right away, it might be something you could do in the future,” she says. Photovoltaics generate electricity and solar panels heat water. “You can get up to six months’ hot water generated for free by having solar panels on your roof,” Wilson says. Even in Scotland? Yes, even here: solar panels simply require daylight rather than actual sunlight. Read the advice on energysavingtrust.org.uk and start by draught-proofing windows and doors and filling in gaps in sanded floors – ensuring your building is sealed up can make a massive difference.

“You can get up to six months' hot water generated for free by having solar panels on your roof” have to insulate it to comply with building regulations," says Julie Wilson of Dunbar’s Brennan & Wilson Architects. Anyone installing a new boiler should consider one that’s compatible with solar

ith spiralling energy costs and an increasing awareness of the impact of our carbon footprint, it makes sense to embrace a greener ethos to homebuilding. But where to start? “Think about the building shell first before you consider the likes of wind turbines or heating systems,” says Julie Wilson of Brennan & Wilson Architects. “The basic shell of the house should be designed to be as energy efficient as possible, highly insulated and with triple rather than double glazing. Spend money on the fabric of the building first, and only think about renewable technologies such as photovoltaic panels if you have funds left over.” Wilson is a European-certified passive house designer. One of her recent properties is constructed in the UK to this emerging energy conservation benchmark. Key factors include super-insulation, highperformance triple-glazed windows and doors, and a virtually airtight

construction with minimal thermal bridging to ensure that as much heat as possible is retained. Photovoltaic roof panels generate up to 3.7kw of electricity, with solar panels contributing to the hotwater supply. Even if you aren’t building a passive house, says Wilson, “Aim towards this standard with a super-insulated fabric combined with an airtight building construction, and you’ll achieve massive savings on your energy bills.” Also consider the orientation of your home, with as much glazing as possible on the south-facing elevation to gain maximum passive solar gain. If you’re interested in renewable technologies, the Energy Saving Trust website has a wealth of information, including details of the Home Energy Scotland renewables interest-free loan scheme available from the Scottish government for owners who want to install a domestic renewables system.You can also contact Home Energy Scotland.

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BEFORE Although there was plenty of room in this four-storey Victorian property (2,000 sq ft, in fact), natural light was in much shorter supply. The owners are keen gardeners yet the house had very little connection to the south-facing garden. The property is C-listed, but this relates for the most part to the front façade of the house and did not restrict the redevelopment of the south-facing garden façade. A ramshackle lean-to was demolished and removed, and the jumble of windows of different sizes and styles was simplified into a more coherent arrangement.

INFO

What A glazed extension to a Victorian house Where Kelso Construction time Seven months Cost Approx £120,000 Architect Beecher Architect, www.beecherarchitect.com Structural Engineer David Narro Associates, www.davidnarro.co.uk

hen Tim Beecher added a glass extension to this home in Kelso, it felt as if the house and its owners had been dragged out of the Dark Ages. “It’s a bold change,” agrees the architect with a smile. The “transformational” addition and the remodelling of the south façade has dramatically improved the fortunes of the dark four-storey stone villa, which

is now filled with natural daylight for the first time in its 150-year existence. “Bringing in light was key to this project. We didn’t need to create a lot of extra space as there is plenty of room in the house already,” explains Beecher, whose practice is based in Edinburgh. “So I started off by thinking about three key things: connection to the garden; connections within the existing house; and connections to the sky and

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CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

AFTER

GARDEN PARTY

A glazed extension links this house to its surroundings, erasing the old boundary between inside and out

THE BRIEF The clients’ main request was for more light to be introduced into as much of the house as possible, simultaneously establishing a much better connection to the garden. The brief called for something ‘transformational’, and a new space where the owners could sit and enjoy their garden. In terms of style and materials, they were happy to leave this to the architect, Tim Beecher. He felt it was important to choose the route of an honest modern intervention, rather than aping the style of the original house.

Words Caroline Ednie

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CASE STUDY garden views. I also had to consider a balance between creating a garden room that would be big enough for the owners to enjoy but which wouldn’t eat into their garden too much.” Beecher’s design proposal not only embraced the idea of a glazed garden room but also reconfigured the rear of the house, taking away a jumble of small windows and replacing these with an airy entrance porch, lined with western red cedar and glazed above. This garden room, with its contemporary good looks, has not only created a direct connection to the garden but has also transformed the relationship between the basement kitchen and the house’s groundfloor rooms. This has been achieved with the careful placement of large windows and roof-lights, opening up the hallway and stairs to the sun, sky and garden. The new landing was given a special glass floor to let daylight (from the new rooflight above) filter down into the kitchen, aided by an angled mirror below the glass floor. “The light makes the house feel so much bigger now,” says Beecher. The structure of the glazed, zinc-roofed extension complements the garden. At the new entrance to the house, Beecher has chosen “softer, more tactile” timber finishes. The stone element, meanwhile, was seen as a continuation of the boundary wall. The decision to make the garden room primarily a glazed structure meant that insulation – substantially above requirements – had to be applied to the new-build elements in order to meet

[Below] The architect’s drawings, showing how a single extension can bring light into several different storeys of the house. [Previous pages] Before and after images of the garden façade; light filters down through the roof-light into the kitchen in the basement

WORKERS UNITE

building warrant regulations. Overall, the Kelso project challenges the received wisdom that transformational projects require major interventions. “The newly formed connection between the various levels and stairs of the existing house and the new extension demonstrates how a small addition can completely transform a much larger existing house at several floor levels,” says Beecher. “What we’ve got is not just an extra room in its own right. This project has one clear message: don’t move, improve. It’s really amazing what can be achieved.”

“This project has one clear message: don’t move, improve. It’s amazing what can be achieved”

The project was built not by a traditional main contractor, but by directly employing the joiner, electrician, roofer etc, who were then co-ordinated by the stonemason, architect and client. “This can go disastrously wrong, but it can also be a great way to work,” says Beecher. “The key is to have all info on the plans well resolved – that means an accurate survey at the start. Pay attention to the boring bits as well as the fun bits. Nurture good relationships with everyone and listen to their suggestions. It took a little longer than normal, but it was a genuinely enjoyable experience, and all parties worked together to resolve problems as they arose.”

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