Abode Issue 03 - 2021

HOME BUILDING

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PROJECT PL ANNING

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INTERIOR DESIGN

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RENOVATION

ISSUE 03 | 2021

From financing to finishing touches SPOTLIGHT ON SCOTTISH FLOORING Scotland’s love affair with the timber frame

Self-build

for the way we live now

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Estimation getting you Estimation getting you frustrated? frustrated?

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What’s inside...

Interesting times . . .

W

e live in interesting times, as that supposedly Chinese curse says; but actually we do and what role will your new home play?

How the first pandemic to hit the human race in 100 years, during which time technology and society changed beyond all recognition, is going to be studied in centuries to come; changes in lifestyle, culture, architecture, behaviour and much more as humans do what they have always done - adapt to circumstances.

Is the home you are designing right now going to be labelled ‘early 21st century, post pandemic school’ by architecture students 250 years from now?

Has working from home while the children slowly turn feral made you realise the house needs more rooms, bathrooms, a garden room, loft above the garage, a bigger garden?

The change has already begun, with ‘broken plan’, not open plan, the new buzz words in kitchen design. Yesterday’s one big space can be turned into smaller zones for multiple needs like work, conference calls or schooling.

The best thing about a self-build is that it gives you more house for your money and the one thing we all agree on after being locked down is the more space the better. So enjoy yourselves planning for the future and remember . . . history is watching.

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Carpenter Oak

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Finding land

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Planning permission

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A great time to start building

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Raising finance

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Self-Build Loan Fund

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Market mortgages & VAT refunds

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Architectural plans

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The hardworking home

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Dualchas Architects

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McInnes Gardner Architects

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SIPS

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Kit homes

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Home heating and energy saving

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A homely welcome

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Highland Blindcraft

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Interiors tips and trends

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Designer focus

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Kitchens showcase

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Bathrooms showcase

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Flooring and carpets

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Trades and building supplies

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Gardens showcase

On the cover: The Black House, Isle of Skye by Dualchas – RIAS Andrew Doolan Award Finalist 2019 (Photo credit: David Barbour Photos). Learn more at vimeo.com/361779504 Advertising director: Nicky Murphy Design: Grant Dickie, Shannon Burton Editorial: Joanne Simms

A Wyvex Media Publication

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Wyvex Media does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ABODE MAGAZINE |

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FLOORING

HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

H A N D M A D E I N S C OT L A N D

CARPENTEROAK.COM 01575 560 393 Frisealach, Loch Ailort - Helen Lucas Architects

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ADVERTORIAL

A challenging Carpenter Oak Eco Home on the Shores of Loch Ailort

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n a remote location, standing tall above the rocks on a sloping plot, lies Frisealach.

The carbon neutral house was designed to become part of the land without impacting it, using sustainable materials and a modern design that would blend it perfectly with its natural and dramatic surroundings on the shores of Loch Ailort.

A bespoke, structural timber frame was the perfect solution for this challenging project. After designing and handcrafting the timber frame in their Kirriemuir workshops, Carpenter Oak transported everything for the build down the steep, narrow channel to the site. Using a telehandler, the unique green oak and Douglas fir frame was erected and supported by a green oak base of fourteen stilts, expertly engineered and steadfastly connected to the rugged terrain below. This provides a flat deck for the ground floor, to which the internal Douglas fir beams are connected.

Frisealach was designed by Helen Lucas Architects and features huge windows to capture as much light as possible. The property also features a striking cantilevered glazed corner that offers incredible views out to sea.

In order to blend the house in with the dramatic surrounding landscape, the Carpenter Oak frame has been clad with oak feather edge board, chosen because it would become silver with age. A practical

and beautiful stainless steel roof adds to the natural look of the project.

The two-storey, four-bedroom house needed to fit neatly into a space that is 8m wide by 20m long.

Double-height, floor to ceiling windows in the open plan living space flood the house with light and draw in the spectacular views.

A wooden ladder gives access to a versatile mezzanine space above the living area and the internal lime washed pine walls sit above characterful oak floors. An external timber deck wraps snugly around the house, giving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the vast landscape.

The orientation of Frisealach is designed to invite light into all of the bedrooms, maximising the solar gain. A wood burning stove heats water and provides underfloor heating. The insulation is made from cotton and hemp, while a microturbine generates electricity.

Frisealach is a really striking example of how a structural timber frame can really become the heart and soul of a build project, bringing stability, warmth and character to any self build project. With a variety of timber materials to choose from, Carpenter Oak can work with you and your architect to bring your project to life.

Are you interested in building your own Carpenter Oak timber framed home? Call Fergus Stuart on 01575 560393 or email at scotland@ carpenteroak.com.

Top: A cantilevered glazed corner giving incredible views out to the sea. Above: A mezzanine space above open plan living area provides a clever space to study or work.

Timber frame: Carpenter Oak Architect: Helen Lucas Architects Location: Loch Ailort, West coast of Scotland Size: Approx 170m² (ground floor 105m², first floor 65m²) ABODE MAGAZINE |

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26/04/2021 09:13:54

FINDING LAND

THE PLOT THICKENS The saga of your epic journey to a new home begins – like all stories – with a good plot

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f you are plotting to buy make sure your plot is a detective story. There has never been a better time to buy, or so many options, if you investigate thoroughly.

The bad news is that your home building plans were knocked back a year by the pandemic. The good news is that during that time a lot more land came onto the market.

Land is a valuable asset; it just sits there, needs very little attention, and grows in value steadily.

That is why so many businesses ‘bank’ land, to develop for their future needs.

A lot of those businesses have just had a tough year, through lockdown and diminished trading, and are looking to realise some of their assets.

Plot twists 1. Be prepared to adapt the vision of your new home to suit the site – the fantastic view might cry out for your living room to be repositioned or the road access means the driveway and garage can only go in one spot.

2. The contours of the land could be begging for a house shape to flow around them. It is all part of the joy of building your own home; find your perfect spot and the whole design is transformed into a stunning concept.

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You will be pleasantly surprised by how much land is now available.

So turn detective. Thanks to the internet it has never been easier to find land – so you have to be quick. The internet is awash with sites specialising in selling land meaning there are more people in the know.

Once you have your eye on a site, start to check it out as thoroughly as an alibi. What is this land’s designation in the eyes of its local authority? Is it classified as land suitable for housing development? Does it sit right next to another piece of land which is earmarked for industrial use in years to come?

Is it in a conservation area or an area being considered for classification as such? This could mean restrictions on the type of materials and designs but a home in such an area has a cachet that adds value.

The government requires each of Scotland’s 32 council areas, two national parks and four largest city regions of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee to produce a development plan for how it sees its future land use and needs.

Time spent studying the plan for your chosen location will not be wasted – it can show where to avoid and better still, where to grab a bargain.

A little digging into local history will not go amiss either – is the area where you want to buy near old mine workings?

Scotland is littered with them; Fife, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire were massive coal fields in the past with smaller ones on the Isle of Arran, Kintyre Peninsula and as far north as Brora.

Time was that mine workings were considered only as a risk of subsidence. Now, thanks to numerous pilot schemes and test sites around the UK, they are being thought of anew – as a ‘game changer’ in renewable energy, heating homes nearby for generations to come with their untapped geothermal energy.

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26/04/2021 09:19:20

PLANNING

Planning for the future

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ust as there has been a revolution in building materials and design in recent decades so has there been one in planning systems and it has only just begun.

Scotland is at present involved in a major overhaul of how planning services are delivered.

Speak to your grandparents and you will hear horror stories of long, drawn-out planning applications chained to the cycle of district, rural, town or city council planning committees. eDevelopment.scot has put an end to that. Today’s planning system has an online service which is available around the clock for both professionals and members of the public alike, run by the Scottish Government in partnership with councils and planning authorities.

Planning decisions remain the same – to balance the need for new property and people’s aspirations for their homes while protecting the historic and natural environment and the interests and wellbeing of existing households.

To put it simply, you need planning permission if planning a new build or a major physical change to an existing property or a change of use from industrial, agricultural, commercial or retail to domestic.

Today outline planning permission has become ‘planning permission in principle’ which is followed by approval of matters specified, to take care of the fine points; work should only begin when this is in place.

Pre-application advice is available from your council’s planning officers and both local and national government cannot stress enough that your best route is always to talk to your local council first of all.

If you are planning to build, extend or convert in a conservation area, National Scenic Area, or Site of Special Scientific Interest, then extra consent must be applied for.

You might not need planning permission at all – there are also householder permitted development rights for smaller alterations to properties; you could be pleasantly surprised at how much can be done within this legislation.

Get the planning wrong and you could be served with an enforcement notice which can be a lengthy and costly mistake, though there is an appeal process so it always pays to talk to your council first.

Scotland’s planning strategy In November last year the Scottish Government launched a fiveyear programme, ‘Transforming Places Together: Scotland’s digital strategy for planning’.

As part of its work on the programme, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland is working in partnership to explore the ‘digital readiness’ of planners working in the Scottish Government, planning authorities, planning consultancies and other organisations.

RTPI Scotland’s work will inform the drawing up of a programme to support planners across Scotland to share best practice and learning; network and connect with others involved; shape practice; and champion digital planning and challenge them to embed it into their work.

RTPI Scotland director Craig McLaren said: ‘Our own research has shown the value that digitising the planning service can have to the economy.

‘This is especially important as we move towards a post-COVID green recovery. We are very pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the importance of investing in the profession so that planners are digital ready and primed to take this forward.’

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ADVERTORIAL

Why 2021 is a great time to get started on your self build

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f you dream of building your own home the future’s never looked better. In March, the long-term housing strategy Housing to 2040 clearly set out Scotland’s ambition to support more people to self build, with self-provided housing, including custom and self build, featuring prominently.

And the great news is that it makes direct reference to the interest that young people have in self building as a route to home ownership.

This is especially so in rural and island communities, where self building has a valuable role in encouraging them to remain in, or return to, the communities that nurtured them.

While Scotland has long had a tradition of people building for themselves, access to finance has been a barrier that prevented many from getting started, so it’s also great news that Scotland’s Self-Build Loan Fund has been extended another year to 2022, giving more people a route to funding

The Self Build Portal If you’re not sure what the difference between custom and self build is, or even where to start planning a project, check out the Self Build Portal, the consumer website of the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA).

Free to access, it’s a great resource for anyone wishing to build, as it helps you understand a variety issues, giving you help and advice

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about the steps to creating your own home from scratch. It also shares the latest news about the sector, including projects, and case studies to inspire you.

NaCSBA is a member organisation, with all members signing up to its Code of Practice. This means that choosing a NACSBA member for your own project brings peace of mind that the organisation is a trusted operator in self build, whether they are a timber-frame manufacturer or window company. Find members on the Self Build Portal’s directory.

NaCSBA works to share the benefits of custom and self build with government’s across the UK. It welcomed the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which included the provision for local authorities to prepare and maintain lists of people wanting to self build – something English councils have to do by law since 2016. The next stage for Scotland will be secondary legislation or guidance that sets out how authorities must manage these lists, and this will help ensure that planning authorities are aware of your desire to build.

Links

www.gov.scot/publications/housing-2040-2 www.mygov.scot/self-build-loan-fund selfbuildportal.org.uk nacsba.org.uk/code-of-practice nacsba.org.uk

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26/04/2021 09:25:02

RAISING FINANCE

First build up your bank balance

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ust as you cannot build a house without qualified professionals and skilled trades people, you won’t build up your money without expert help.

The good news about building your own home is that you almost certainly get more house for your money. The bad news is that at the start you need more money for your house.

To kick start their finances, and the entire project, many people sell their homes and live on-site in a static caravan; their old home is helping build their new one. A storage container on-site to store possessions will also keep costs down and both will have a resale value once the build is complete.

Remember that not all lenders will consider self-build mortgages and any who do, be they banks or building societies, often will only loan money on a fixed-price contract, or on an all-trades basis under the direction of a suitablyqualified project manager.

It is well worth your time to do a lot of initial research online so that you have plenty of ideas to discuss with your financial advisor.

Leading website, moneysavingexpert.com, advises that you use a mortgage comparison tool like theirs, or any others available, to see what is on offer for your situation.

Then use a broker to help match you with the best ones; this will include products exclusive to brokers who have access to special deals that are not directly available to customers. A broker is also clued up on which lenders are most likely to lend to you.

Make sure you check out the new wave of ‘eco’ building societies and ‘ethical finance’. With self-build designs having such great opportunities to incorporate energy saving systems you can now find premium financial products aimed at properties with sound ecological footprints.

If you find the finances daunting but still want to go down the self-build route, think about ‘package deals’ where you buy a kit house and building services from an existing company as they often offer, or source, financial packages.

This can save a lot of leg work and grief. They might also have plots available as well.

Receiving the funds The deposit needed to buy a property is far smaller when compared with the initial lump sum a selfbuilder needs to buy the land and get the first stage completed on site before the mortgage kicks in and cash arrives to fund the next stage.

Buy an existing property and the mortgage arrives in a lump sum; build and the money will come in stages as work on the property progresses.

The self-build home buyer is always ‘in arrears’ though some ‘advance’ mortgages can be found where the cash arrives at the start of each stage of construction.

The self-build mortgage traditionally has six stages: • Land purchase • Preliminary costs and foundations • Wall plate level (brick and block) kit erected (timber frame) • Wind and watertight • First fix and plastering • Second fix and completion

Already got a property?

If you are taking on a renovation, conversion or extending your existing property it pays to keep in mind that a self-build mortgage may also be the right way for you to raise cash. This is where that expert financial advice comes in so handy.

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ADVERTORIAL

Scottish Self-Build Loan Fund extended for a year

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he Self-Build Loan Fund provided by the Scottish Government and administered by the Communities Housing Trust has been extended for another year, and will now accept applications until August 2022.

As banks became more cautious, it became more challenging for people to find funds to build their own home. The Self-Build Loan Fund of £4 million was established in 2018 to support those unable to obtain mainstream self-build mortgage finance.

Scottish ministers have now extended the Fund for a further year, recognising the national slowdown brought about by the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, as well as ongoing need and increasing

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demand. The new application deadline is 31 August 2022, with loans to be repaid by August 2023.

Neil Walker, Self-Build Loan Fund Officer, Communities Housing Trust: “We saw public interest in the scheme rise by 153% over 2020.

The Fund is really important for small, rural or remote communities across Scotland. Self-build is sometimes the only option to stay in your own community, whether young or old, where housing is limited and developers won’t build. We’d like to thank the Scottish Government and are extremely pleased to see this Fund extended, so we can continue to support families, elderly people, crofters and couples to build their own homes, and help strengthen their communities.”

Gary and Susan, Self-Build Loan Fund recipients: “The Self-Build Loan Fund provided vital bridging finance. Having the loan also meant that we could pursue the build quickly, within the limited construction window available due to island weather… The Fund provides vital access to finance and knowledge, making the personal dream of home ownership available to local families.”

For more information about the Self-Build Loan Fund, and to apply, please visit: www.chtrust.co.uk/scotland-self-build-loan-fund

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26/04/2021 09:40:15

MARKET MORTGAGES & VAT

First-time mortgages rise

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ew mortgages to first-time buyers in Scotland increased by an annual 43.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020, while new mortgages to home movers increased by 26.7 per cent.

Across 2020 as a whole, new mortgages to first-time buyers decreased by 12.3 per cent compared to a fall of 17.8 per cent for home movers.’

– UK Finance

ON THE REBOUND

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ata shows that the continuation of the rebound in housing market activity in last quarter of 2020 was experienced across Scotland.

The largest increase in residential property sales occurred in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, where sales rose by an annual 34.6 per cent.

Sales in Argyll and Bute and the Highlands and Islands increased by the lowest amount in Scotland in the same quarter but this remains a sizeable increase in transactions, up by 21.6 per cent on the same period last year.’

– Registers of Scotland

Get your VAT back Two of the nicest words in the English language you will ever hear when used together: ‘tax refund’.

When you self-build or convert a property you can reclaim a substantial part of the VAT, Value Added Tax, you have paid during the process.

New builds are ‘zero-rated’. This means your builder should not charge you VAT for any work done because they can claim it back themselves later.

When building a new home you can reclaim some of the VAT paid during the process if the property meets the necessary criteria.

A brand new home on an empty plot is eligible as long as it is separate and self-contained, for you and your family to live or holiday in and not for business purposes; but you will be pleased to know that you can make one room a home office.

With conversions of existing properties the test is that it must previously have been for business-use only and a completely non-residential building. OR a residential building not lived in for more than 10 years; you must have documented proof.

Conversions of buildings that cannot be sold or used separately from another building because of planning permission are NOT eligible.

The government rules say you can claim VAT back on building materials used to form part of the building that cannot be removed ‘without either using tools or damaging the building in the process’. Think fitted kitchens and wood flooring; paint, solar panels and burglar alarms.

VAT cannot be claimed back for items not permanently attached to the building itself - some electrical and gas appliances, carpets or garden ornaments.

Architects’ and surveyors’ fees and the cost of hiring machinery or equipment do not qualify.

When it comes to the claim it must be done within three months of completion and can only be done once – make sure you have claimed for everything because there is no second chance.

There are two types of forms, one for new builds, the other for conversions; you will need to supply all the necessary bills and invoices plus proofs of the work being completed.

Each form comes with a guide.

Follow the rules and act promptly and it will all go smoothly or hire a professional to handle the claim for you if you know that paperwork is not your strong point.

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26/04/2021 09:42:33

ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING

ARCHITECTURALLY SPEAKING Speak to an architect and they can ‘speak’ for you

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o you speak house? If not then you should hire an interpreter, AKA an architect.

You know what you want to say, you can even draw a rough sketch of what you mean, or point at examples of what you would like but to translate your vision, to fully express yourself, then you need the services of someone who is fluent.

Think of an architect as your trusty native guide; they speak the language, they know their way around. They will negotiate planning permissions and building regulations with ease; know the best and latest methods of insulating and heating and have far better contacts within in the industry than you could ever hope to achieve. Not only do they speak ‘house’ they can also speak ‘builder’ and that alone will save you so much grief.

Read as many books and magazines like this as you want; we can keep those ideas sparking and build on your vision of your new home, but to embark upon a journey through the land of house building without an architect is sheer folly.

If you wanted an off-the-peg, one-size-fits all home then you would not be going down the self-build route in the first place. Working with an architect to see your ideas come to life is one of the biggest joys of the entire venture.

You might hear people suggest that you can save money by only using a building consultant or designer to just draw up some plans but if you do, you are turning your back on a profession which demands seven years of study before qualification.

Once this has been completed successfully it is only then that they can be listed with the Architects Registration Board, and apply to the profession’s chartered bodies and the initials RIAS, FRIAS, or RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects can be used.

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Many architects then decide to specialise either in types of property or locations, be they urban, coastal, rural or remote.

RIAS, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland sums it up: ‘Imagination, value for money and freedom from worry are just some of the reasons why using a chartered architect makes sense.’

Members must carry professional indemnity insurance and uphold the reputation of the profession.

Paying the architect You and your architect should decide in advance whether expenses will be included within the agreed fee or charged separately. Always remember that you need to reach this agreement at the very start.

Calculating the cost of architects’ fees is part of your house building project’s overall cost and is traditionally calculated in one of three ways.

Percentage is based on the total construction costs in the building contract including site works; agreement is needed on the services provided, nature of the work and an approximate construction budget.

Lump sum fees work best when the project can be clearly defined right from the start and there are no surprises for either side.

Time charged is the flip-side of that coin and best where the amount of work cannot ‘reasonably’ be seen; an agreed upper limit is needed and fees are often staged.

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26/04/2021 10:03:21

THE HARDWORKINGHOME

THE HARDWORKING HOME Whether you are planning a new build or renovation you will have worked hard for your home and one day it can work to pay you back

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here are times when we all need some extra cash; financial circumstances can change or we need a quick cash boost and help financing more home improvements.

New takes on the good-old fashioned ‘paying-guests’ idea are becoming increasingly popular.

In many circumstances when your kids are grown and flown they can help top-up your pension pot and play a major role in staying-put-or-downsizing decisions.

The most obvious answer is to host - but how? Lodger, boarder, traditional B&B or Airbnb are the simplest or a full tenancy in part of your home like a granny flat or self-contained suite. A little extra outlay on a mini kitchen with fridge, kettle, microwave and sink can soon pay for itself.

There is plenty of advice on line, with housing charity Shelter leading the way and the government’s Rent a Room scheme where you can earn up to £7,500 tax-free to show you how to set up agreements for lodgers; if you are renting to a tenant use a solicitor and have things water-tight.

One ever-expanding market is the ‘work’ lodger or boarder; someone who is away from home and needs good quality accommodation Monday to Thursday nights. Your weekends are your own and for many weeks they might not even be there.

In rural tourist areas like the Highlands, islands and Borders these people have no problems during winter months to find reasonably-priced accommodation but once the summer season starts they are out-booked and out-priced.

Lodgers and boarders

Bed and breakfast

Lodgers have their own room and share common space so they need access to, and their own storage in, your kitchen, laundry and bathroom space.

Boarders have some element of food and services provided for them; it is down to you to decide and negotiate accordingly.

Traditional bed and breakfast has been the backbone of Scottish tourism for decades; it is the arrival of its upstart younger cousin, Airbnb, which has turned the business model on its head.

It started as a simple app allowing impecunious young people to literally stay on a stranger’s airbed, with

breakfast, as a cheap way to travel and has grown into a massive global business.

So much so that the Scottish Government is in the process of introducing curbs, using powers within section 17 of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 enabling local authorities to license short-term lets and introduce control areas.

While the government points to people being forced out of the housing market and disturbance caused to residents in tourism hot spots, Airnbnb commissioned research which shows that in Scotland it supports 33,500-plus jobs, generating £677m annually. This includes in excess of 31,000 jobs in the tourism economy, and more than 2,000 jobs in the wider economy. Be aware that soon it might not be as easy to become an Airbnb host.

Be prepared Having people pay to stay in your home can be fun or it can be a nightmare; it is all down to how well you prepare. Do not forget to alter your insurance policies and notify your mortgage provider if necessary.

Look at successful operating models given on line and think long and hard about how you are going to achieve peaceful (and profitable) co-existence.

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HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

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FLOORING

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DUALCHAS

THAT DUALCHAS TOUCH The awards, commissions and order books speak for themselves; so many people want to be a part of this remarkable Highland story

TOP LEFT & RIGHT: FELIX MOONEERAM; TOP CENTRE AND TOP RIGHT: DAVID BARBOUR PHOTOS

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or more than two decades the team at Dualchas has created inspired Scottish architecture and their work has grown in stature and importance.

The practice was founded in 1996 by twins Alasdair and Neil Stephen, who wanted to play their part in helping halt the population decline of the Highlands.

Their inspiration to develop a modern interpretation of the traditional black house helped start a renaissance in Highland architecture.

Today the list of awards Dualchas projects have won is impressive, as is the demand for the team’s skills and the properties created through their complementary company, HebHomes.

The Dualchas touch is available to everyone, not just those who can afford the full architectural service.

A Dualchas client, says director Rory Flyn, is looking to build something new and to give their home character and context within its landscape – tthey are looking for something unique; Heb Homes often a pre-designed option, that fit a variety of rural context.

The practice also works on renovations with people who can see

that existing buildings can create incredible homes. ‘Often dilapidated structures are important in their setting and worth the effort of renovation,’ he added.

Dualchas’ work on the conversion of an old Telford church in the Highlands saw their design take into account its floodplain location by raising the floor to comply with regulations. In doing so it brought the floor to the base of the windows and helped prevent the ceiling height from being overbearing.

From the outside the church looked as it always had but a unique home was created.

The Dualchas offices are on Skye and HebHomes is in Glasgow with members of both teams working at each.

As we head into the post-pandemic period, Rory Flyn can see many more people, like he and his colleagues, developing a degree of home and office flexibility.

‘Home offices are going to become very important and they are something we design into houses anyway; private space which can be used as an office,’ he said.

The designs which have played their role in the cultural regeneration of the

Highlands are just as popular in other parts of the UK with HebHomes selling to England, Wales and Ireland.

The Dualchas story continues, constantly creating housing for the Highlands and moving into commercial and public buildings.

The ethos stays the same: design excellence, sustainability through the chosen materials and technology and respect for the landscape, heritage and culture.

Clockwise from top left: The bright living space at Carnoch Church; bookshelves on a mezzanine in the Black House, Armadale, Skye; light pours down from rooftop window at the Black House; Carnoch Church, Strathconon, Easter Ross.

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MCINNES GARDNER

McInnes Gardner

Over 100 years of experience

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lexander McInnes Gardner established the practice in 1910 with commissions for headquarter buildings for the Banks and Insurance sector and thereafter established a worldwide reputation for the fitting-out of ships (130). The world’s best known ocean liners include; Queen Mary, Mauritania, Queen Elizabeth, Canberra, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

McInnes Gardner, nowadays also referred to as MIG, continues with a young and motivated team and maintains the firm’s long-standing reputation for Professionalism and Excellence in Design. Principal activities remain in the commercial as well as the domestic sector, designing unique luxury homes with exposure on Grand Designs & Scotland’s Home of the Year.

MIG designs are tailored architectural compositions, combining internal space & light to elegant external elevations.

Incorporating the latest renewable and sustainable techniques, designed for effortless modern living. Your dreamhouse vision is realised through our in-house VR System with exceptional attention to detail in every aspect of the design.

Contact

For more information call us on 0141 332 3841 or visit www.mcinnesgardner.co.uk

From top: See plans come to life, from plans to virtual reality; Alastair MacIntyre is McInnes Gardner today’s Senior Partner, pictured with Kevin McCloud featuring in Grand Designs; Alexander McInnes Gardner - founder, pictured as RFA Major; Rhu House, Argyll.

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STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANELS

STRUCTURED FOR SUCCESS Build-speed, integral strength for better use of light and space, incredible insulation and lower running costs means SIPS is becoming more and more popular here with Scotland’s self-builders

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are to name a phenomenal Scandinavian home success, other than that famous store with the bold blue shopping bags?

Think SIPS – Structural Insulated Panels – technology which is one of our northern cousins’ most popular methods of building – it is also taking more and more of Europe by storm, especially the east.

These are areas that more than match Scotland’s cold and wet climate and SIPS’ proven success there is winning more converts here.

Simply, SIPS homes are made up of pre-insulated panels, usually from engineered wood sheet and a sandwich of high quality rigid insulation forming walls and roofs. The panels can be made to a wide range of building design and are extremely strong. So strong that roof trusses are not needed and extra window space can be added.

High-ceilings, double-height even; glazed gables and openplan are yours for the asking within a reasonable price and incredible energy efficiencies. The panels are manufactured off-site and once delivered are installed quickly; your project can be weather tight within three weeks which is music to any self-builder’s ears and mortgage. Trades can be inside while the exterior cladding is still being fitted; the insulation is already in place so there is no need to allow time for that in your schedule.

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There are swings and roundabouts, books to balance and numbers to crunch because each self-build and the circumstances are unique; that’s why you chose to go down the self-build route isn’t it?

You might have a longer wait for the panels to be manufactured; they are bulkier to transport than a traditional kit frame so a crane is needed for the heavier and larger SIPS meaning that access could be tight along single-track roads to a remote setting or an urban plot with confined space.

Any initial extra outlay is more than compensated by the reduced energy running costs from the insulation and ability for extra solar gain.

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26/04/2021 11:12:32

KIT HOMES

Tailored to fit with a kit You decided to build your own home to get exactly what you want and there are kits waiting for you to do just that – be it ‘off the peg,’ slight alterations to suit or your own, personally designed product – your new home will be perfect for you

Above: Today’s timber frame kit is light years ahead of the original designs of 40 years ago in terms of looks, computer-aided construction and insulating materials.

A true building revolution and Scotland helped lead the way.

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it homes, be they timber, modular, SIPS, clad in wood, brick, stone or harling, are ready and waiting for you.

Computer-aided design and build sees the traditional trades working with the most sophisticated plans and materials to create cost-effective and ecologically-sound kit homes to erect and run.

Scotland is in love with timber-frame kits. The ease of construction, good cost ratios and the fact that so much can be done off-site to get a property weather tight as quickly as possible on-site, has seen the timber frame kit of today evolve from what was considered a radical idea 40-years ago.

Compared to a traditional brick-build, timber-frame can be more expensive up front, as you enter into a contract to buy the kit, but this is balanced by the shorter construction time. When it comes to eco-friendliness, today’s materials and construction techniques mean a smaller difference in the carbon footprint.

Today more than 85 per cent of all new homes in Scotland

are built using wood; nearly three times more then the rest of mainland UK. Meanwhile extensive tree planting, plus research and development of woodbased products is going ahead to redress that fact that only one-third or so of the timber-built homes in Scotland are made out of home-grown wood.

Timber-frame companies all have their own designs and these can be modified to suit your needs and the dictates of your site. Or they can work with your architect to create your own unique vision.

Some of the UK’s longest established and most experienced timber frame companies are here in Scotland – this love affair with wood will run and run.

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HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

ENERGY: we are building the future The decisions we make in heating and powering our homes will be felt for generations. We need to get it right.

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ow do you answer a perfect example of a six-and-a-halfyear-old’s logic: ‘Why did they paint all the houses

black?’

Sitting in a hotel, with photographs of old Glasgow street scenes on the walls it had to be explained that in the ‘old days’ all the lovely light-coloured stone buildings she sees were once covered in a layer of soot.

‘What’s soot?’

Today’s weans are growing up with energy from the sun, water, wind, plants, soil and air as the norm.

The idea that the world was powered and heated by digging up combustible sedimentary rock from deep underground, then setting fire to it, will seem, one day, as shocking as sending children down mines to pull coal carts or up chimneys to clean the flues.

And from an adult, bill-paying point of view, it seems just as shocking that houses were once so poorly insulated that the heat and money were just frittered away.

When you build a home you are building the future – your grand, and great-grandchildren, will be playing in it one day and so might theirs. Thanks to today’s innovations they will be living in a far greener, cleaner time.

As we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on non-renewable energy we can call on advances in building design and materials to make new-build properties

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need far less energy to keep them warm and well-lit. We can improve dramatically the energy efficiency of older buildings through renovation.

It goes without saying that any newbuild designs come with top of the range insulation and opportunities for solar gain as standard, as do all SIPS and kit homes.

The method of providing heat then comes down to your choice and circumstances; with items like solar panels and heat source tailored to location, design and budget.

And never forgetting that traditional Scottish favourite, wood, be it biomass systems or a log burning stove.

Sourcing your heat Air source heat pumps extract heat from outside air in the same way that a fridge extracts heat from its inside.

It is constantly being renewed naturally and can be used to heat radiators, under floor systems, convector heaters and hot water in the home.

An air-source heat pump can get heat out of air even when the temperature is as low as -15°c.

Ground source heat pumps are more efficient than air source ones because heat is transferred through the ground via the movement of water, and water has a greater capacity to hold heat, compared to air.

Heat from the ground is absorbed at low temperatures into a fluid inside a loop of pipe buried underground. The

fluid then passes through a compressor that raises it to a higher temperature, which then heats the heating and hot water circuits of the house.

The cooled fluid passes back into the ground where it absorbs further energy from the ground in a continuous process as long as heating is required.

And here is where dirty old coal has the last laugh; the mines could once again heat our homes.

When they were abandoned, the mines filled with water, which is heated by geological processes, and the temperature remains stable year-round.

The Coal Authority has calculated that the constantly replenishing water within these mines could potentially be a large enough resource to provide all of the heating requirements for the coalfield areas. It could also be used as heat and energy for horticulture, manufacturing, and other purposes.

All those mines across the central belt, Ayrshire and Fife are just waiting to be tapped; test schemes in the northeast of England are being watched with interest.

Jeremy Crooks said, as head of innovation at the Coal Authority: ‘The abandoned coal mines in the UK present an enormous opportunity as a source of geothermal energy.’

Opposite from top: Keep heat in with good insulation; example air-source heat pump; example ground-source heat pump system.

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HOME HEATING & ENERGY SAVING

Essential reading www.energysavingtrust.org.uk www.homeenergyscotland.org These two websites are a must, whatever your home building plans are.

Home Energy Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government, is a network of local advice centres covering all of the country.

Since its inception in 2008 it has helped save more than £1 billion on domestic energy bills.

If you use renewable energy to heat your home, you could get incentive payments from the UK Government. There is a wide range of support available to help you install, and even make money from, renewable technologies.

Available grants, loans and financial schemes depend on where you live in the UK. Here in Scotland, you could get an interest-free loan up to £17,500 to install home renewables.

Under the UK Government’s domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, you could receive quarterly cash payments over seven years if you install, or have already installed, an eligible renewable heating technology. RHI is confirmed for systems completed by 31 March 2022, then Clean Heat Grants follow.

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At Highland Blind Craft you‘ll find a bed for every bedroom situation imaginable.

So get in contact with us now and see how we can help you get beds that work like a dream.

We are also suppliers of traditional and contemporary pine beds, headboards, bedroom and occasional furniture, chairs, pillows and mattress protectors.

YOUR LOCAL SOLAR PV INSTALLER

INTRODUCING THE QUANTUM HEATING SYSTEM. •SOLAR PV (GENERATE YOUR OWN ELECTRICITY) •INSPECTION & TESTING •EV CHARGING •REWIRING & MAINTENANCE •ALL TYPES OF ELECTRIC HEATING •ENERGY EFFICIENT MEASUREMENTS •NEW BUILD INSTALLATIONS •DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

Call: 01463 233662

visit www.highlandblindcraft.co.uk or email us at sales@highlandblindcraft.co.uk

Morar House, Connel, Argyll PA37 1PA Tel: 01631 710862 Mobile: 07917 167477 Web: fergusonelectrical.co.uk

Serving Argyll, Lochaber and the Isles for over 40 years backwoodsman-stoves.co.uk

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A HOMELY WELCOME

Welcome to your new home New home – new thinking

Above, left to right: Schüller collection. www.inhouseltd.co.uk; pots from £45 www. gardentrading.co.uk; Bath & spa matte paint £30.50 Per 0.94L www. benjaminmoorepaint. co.uk.

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elcome to your new home. The end is in sight for this epic journey of yours. It began with a vision and the search for a plot of land while you worked on saving and raising finance, number crunching late into the night.

Now the keys are in your hands, the builders and trades are finishing the snagging. It is time to turn your attention to the interior and stamp your own personality on the place, with some fresh ideas.

Broken kitchens Don’t panic! No need to get on the phone and play hell with the cabinet fitter or plumber. ‘Broken’ is the new buzz word for kitchens - think open plan with a twist.

We all love the idea of the light, airy, open space but working and schooling from home this last year has shown a need for a little more privacy and ‘zones’.

Create them with different textures, a strategically-placed large piece of free-standing furniture, a storage unit, different floor levels.

Leave a half-wall here; build a wall of glass there

and you can switch the different areas to suit your circumstances

Bathed in glory Instead of ‘wow’ factor think more. Expectations are changing and the luxury master en-suite and a family bathroom is no longer enough. Think en-suite for each bedroom plus a downstairs lavatory and extra shower room for larger, more expensive properties. Smaller or starter homes should scale down to suit. If you have the cash for one stunning spa-room, go for it, but less is more does not apply here.

Go to pot Post Brexit tariffs hiking up costs and a more ecologically ethical outlook towards agricultural land use and air-miles are starting to see a move away from continually buying cut flowers.

Save them for a special occasion and switch to nurturing pot plants inside. Outside more garden use during lockdowns highlighted a need for more space, less borders to trample in the family garden so choose beautiful pots with shrubs, flowers and vegetables as statement pieces.

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ADVERTORIAL

Matchmaking in the world of rugs

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here is a move towards sustainable fibres such as wool. Because of wooden and tiled flooring the size of rugs or area carpets is greater. Wool has many advantages in ease of maintenance and hard wearing which fits into the trend of paying a little more but keeping the product for much longer. We have recently made rugs for the First Minister’s office at the Scottish Parliament; a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Netherlands, Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, the British Embassy in Tirana, Albania, and many individual homes throughout the UK who have found it an easy and enjoyable experience to contact us and design the perfect rug for their room in terms of size, design and colours.

Very often rugs will last longer than a trend in colour so getting the right colour to match with the dominant colours in a room is a greater factor along with bespoke sizing and shape.’-John McKerchar, director, Turnberry Rug Works Ltd.

Scotland’s only handcrafted luxury Harris Tweed furniture company

To see our Luxury Harris Tweed living range visit Mozolowski & Murray’s Edinburgh Design Centre, 57 Comiston Road, Morningside, EH10 6AG. Open 7 days.

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TIPS & TRENDS

The new blue The mid-century trend, drawing inspiration from the 1950s and 60s keeps gathering pace and the softer shades of blue, so beloved by Dior in his post-war ‘new look’ collections are being re-imagined for today’s interiors. Post-pandemic the calm and comfort is just as welcome; think Highland sky on a glorious summer day.

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1. Cat sack £96, www.avainnes.com 2. Jacqueline Milton’s Wisteria French blue fabric, £54 per metre, www.jacquelinemilton.co.uk

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3. Isle of Skye Paint Company, Loch Coruisk blue.

Available in interior matt, durable, satin, masonry and exterior eggshell. Tester pot £4. www.isleofskyepaintcompany.co.uk 4. BTC’s designs Hector dome table light, small, £175. www.originalbtc.com 5. Ava Innes cashmere throw £435, www.avainnes.com 6. Coconut bistro set from Next Home. £150. www.next.co.uk/homeware 7. Oliver Bonas’ printed tassel cotton parasol £198. www.oliverbonas.com

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8. A cow parsley bowl from Welsh Otter’s £70. www.welshotter.co.uk ABODE MAGAZINE |

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SEE, TOUCH, EXPERIENCE. Victor Paris offer an unbelievable choice of stunning bathrooms from modern to traditional and contemporary.

With the biggest brand showrooms in Scotland you are sure to find everything you would need for your perfect bathroom and it needn’t cost a fortune. Visit one of our marvellous showrooms today, where our experienced design team will make your bathroom buying experience so very simple. Also why not take advantage of our complementary design service to visualise your future bathroom. FREE parking available at all showrooms.

GLASGOW, 60 Washington Street, Glasgow G3 8AZ

EDINBURGH, 178 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1DQ

DUNDEE, 92 Albert Street, Dundee DD4 6QH

www.victorparis.com

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FINDING LAND

KITCHEN S

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UK KITCHEN SHOWROOM OF THE YEAR 2020

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THE ART OF KITCHEN Aberdeen Showroom Denmore Road Bridge of Don, AB23 8JW 01224 824 300 Broxburn Showroom 11 Youngs Rd. East Mains Industrial Estate Broxburn, EH52 5LY 01506 862 780 Edinburgh Showroom 117 Dundas Street New Town, EH3 5EF 0131 523 0477 Edinburgh Showroom Martin & Frost, 4 Whitehill Rd, Fort Kinnaird, EH15 3HR 0131 337 3434 Glasgow Showroom 220 Great Western Road G4 9EJ 0141 404 7744 Tillicoultry Showroom 76 Moss Road Tillicoultry, FK13 6NS 01259 237 010

www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

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Sensational bathrooms from William Wilson

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illiam Wilson are one of the largest suppliers of plumbing, heating and bathroom materials in Scotland. With 21 trading locations throughout Scotland they are uniquely placed to help the Scottish self-build community. William Wilson have many unique services ideal to help you turn your self-build dream into a reality including: • Free of charge heating system design and technical advice.

• Free of charge bathroom design service.* • Free delivery to most areas of mainland Scotland.

Plumbing William Wilson have 21** trading locations in Scotland, stocking a comprehensive range of plumbing fittings and products from brass fittings to renewable heating systems. The company aim is to provide an excellent service to customers as well as having the right products in the right place at the right time.

Heating William Wilson can provide a free of charge heating system design and technical advice service. The company has invested in fully training heating design engineers in new heating technologies and energy awareness. Whatever the technology and whatever the consumer requirements William Wilson can provide the

find the bathroom of your dreams....

ADVERTORIAL

right solution. Fully trained heating design engineers have the expertise to design and supply any of the renewable energy systems currently available in the marketplace and can incorporate underfloor heating into most designs.

Bathrooms William Wilson have 16** bathroom showrooms throughout Scotland, each with eye-catching displays filled with ideas to inspire you. Room set displays in each showroom feature both contemporary and traditional bathroom suites from manufacturers such as Ideal Standard and Roca. William Wilson also have a comprehensive range of bathroom accessories, furniture and tiles.

Building your own house can be made easier with William Wilson.

Visit www.williamwilson.co.uk to find a location near you. Ask about our Self-Build Purchase Account facility. *Does not include a site visit. **Bathroom showrooms only at Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen Mastrick, Aviemore, Ayr, Dundee, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fraserburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Inverurie, Kirkcaldy, Kirkwall, Perth, Portree & Stornoway. Opening in Thurso autumn 2021.

FREE DESIGN SERVICE*

sensational offers available in-store bathroom suites • showers & enclosures tiles & accessories • wet rooms fitted furniture • experienced staff

NEW THURSO SHOWROOM OPENING SOON!

Showrooms throughout Scotland ABERDEEN ALTENS 01224 335335

GLASGOW 0141 429 6627

ELGIN 01343 543181 FRASERBURGH 01346 514474

PORTREE 01478 612577 STORNOWAY 01851 704046

ABERDEEN MASTRICK 01224 663322 AVIEMORE 01479 811567 AYR 01292 286381 DUNDEE 01382 883555 EDINBURGH 0131 657 7703

INVERNESS 01463 245502 INVERURIE 01467 629853 KIRKCALDY 01592 653295 KIRKWALL 01856 871282 PERTH 01738 638323

www.williamwilson.co.uk * visit our website to book a virtual appointment

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DESIGNER FOCUS

Designer focus Meet the minds behind the design

SHEPHERD’S HUT MAKER A shepherds hut – why?

‘They’re so romantic, practical and versatile,’ says cabinetmaker Jack Roots, ‘an extra room in your garden to do anything you want with – a summer house, garden room, guest room, office, studio - endless possibilities.’

Jack individually crafts each hut, his focus is on quality in design, making and delivering exactly what’s wanted - drawing on a lifetime of creating. Please contact Jack if this approach excites you.

Tel: 07546 891193, www.shepherdshutmaker.co.uk

THE BATHROOM COMPANY The Bathroom Company, established in 1993, specialise in the design and installation of bathrooms and kitchens throughout Scotland with their inhouse teams. With years of experience, they have expanded to having two UK award winning showrooms, in Perth and Edinburgh. Focusing on the client experience and individual requirements, The Bathroom Company pride themselves on exceeding expectations.

Tel: 01738 440333 / 0131 337 3355, www.thebathroomcompany.co.uk

SPECTRAGLASS Formed in 1983, the company is well established in the industrial glassware manufacturing business, supplying glass to a multitude of industries worldwide. In recent years the company has brought in an architectural glass division, designing and installing glass splashbacks, bespoke showers and glass balustrading. Two years ago we took over the Grille City brand of aluminium balustrading in an expansion of this product. We work closely with engineers and architects to get that perfect design for the home or business.

Tel: 01738 638 358, www.spectraglass.com

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FLOORING

O FLOOR OF SCOTLAND Your unique, newly-built Scottish home deserves some unique Scottish flooring Kirkcaldy in the Kingdom of Fife is world-famous for the production of linoleum. Today’s Marmoleum is as far removed from your granny’s lino as it could be.

And its environmental credentials make it a product of choice, not to mention its great mid-20th century looks.

Forbo Marmoleum comprises wood flour, as a waste product of the timber industry and never tropical hardwoods; pine rosins mixed with oil pressed from flax seed, to produce a flexible binder and the reverse is woven jute - all natural, sustainable resources.

Powdered limestone, which is one of the world’s most abundant resources, and ecologically-friendly pigments, for colour, finish off the product making Marmoleum CO2 neutral, ‘from cradle to gate’, without offsetting. The carbondioxide produced in the extraction, transportation and manufacturing process is balanced by the removal of CO2 through the growing of its natural ingredients such as flax, jute and rosin.

Skyeskyns is the sole remaining commercial woolskin tannery in Scotland. It was founded by Clive and Lydia Hartwell in 1983 as a small venture to make use of skins from the lambs on their croft. The business is still in the family and the same, waste-not ethos of the crofter remains.

The business has grown to see its fleeces, rugs and throws featured in homes and design magazines around the world and the tannery site now features a five-star tourist attraction for the island.

Lambskins are sourced ethically and locally, keeping money in the Highlands and Islands economy and reducing the carbon footprint. Tanning agents are recycled and off-cuts from sheepskins are used in products, cushion fillings or insulation.

Another unique feature is that fleeces can be returned to be ‘rejuvenated’ meaning a Skyeskyn product can be an heirloom product that crosses generations.

This is the 30th anniversary year of Turnberry Rug Works Ltd, based in a converted granary building by the shore, producing bespoke rugs and wall hangings which are found in British Embassies, parliaments, including our own, and top hotels, restaurants and homes.

You can buy from Turnberry’s own curated range or go bespoke; they have made a big name for themselves realising the visions of interior designers and architects. A rug designed by the architect who designed your home makes perfect sense.

Turnberry Rug Works crafted the extensive wall hanging designed by Timorous Beasties for the Robert Burns museum in Alloway and commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland.

The team pride themselves that can create almost any concept in the highest quality wools and natural fibres, using the hand tufted method - including a rug featuring Glasgow’s statute of the 1st Duke Willington, complete with his traffic cone hat.

Top: Marmoleum Modular Forbo. Right: Skyeskyns can decorate homes for generations. Far right: Turnberry Rug Works’ Granada.

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Spectraglass specialist glass solutions

Spectraglass is a leading Scottish supplier of architectural glass.

Our innovative product range offers a solution to suit all homes and styles. We offer UK wide installation.

• Glass Balustrades • Glass Splashbacks • Juliette Balconies • Shower Screens & Doors T: +44 (0)1738 638358 info@spectraglass.com www.spectraglass.co.uk 34

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TRADES & BUILDING SUPPLIES

BUILDING ON THEIR GOOD NAMES

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ou have found the land, sourced the finance and worked with an architect to design your home, now all your hard work, hopes and dreams are put into the hands of the people who will make it happen.

It is time to choose wisely.

Many find the prospect of sourcing the suitably qualified

The Scottish Building Federation Established in 1895, making it one of the oldest and biggest of its kind, its membership is not automatic; ‘reputable builders can apply to join’. Associate membership is for smaller firms and individuals plus chartered quantity surveyors and architects and other businesses supplying goods and, or, services to the Scottish construction industry. The SBF Code of Conduct for the domestic market includes provisions on liability insurance, building standards, technical capabilities, employment and training, health and safety, the environment and customer care.

Select Founded in 1900 as The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland, SELECT became the first trade association in the world to serve the electrical industry and is its authoritative trade association in Scotland.

Members undergo a rigorous technical assessment on a regular basis to ensure that their work is safe and installed to recognised industry standards.

If you accept a quote and conditions of trading from a SELECT member, the work is covered by the association’s Contract Completion Guarantee paying for the completion of that work by another member, if necessary.

Gas Safe The Gas Safe Register operates a registration scheme for gas businesses and individual gas operatives to ensure that they carry out their work in a competent manner. It is the only scheme recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that complies with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

people so daunting that they opt for a ‘turn-key’ package where the trades people are included but if you are project managing the build yourself look to each trade’s own organisations to find the best men and women for the job. Scotland has some of the best, and oldest, accreditation systems around.

OFTEC OFTEC’s accredited registration schemes are for heating technicians working in liquid fuels, offgrid gas, heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass and

solid fuel.

To become OFTEC registered, all technicians must first undertake an approved training course and assessment. They are inspected regularly by OFTEC to ensure their work meets the required standard and the business they work for must also pass an audit.

SNIPEF The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) is the principal trade association for plumbing and heating businesses based in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Since 1923 it has represented the plumbing and heating industry, from sole traders to large-scale businesses by managing the training of plumbing apprentices. Its aim is to provide reassurance to consumers that they are hiring a qualified professional and will receive a high standard of work.

NFRC The National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ Scottish region has 97

members.

To join them a contractor must have a satisfactory trading record, including financial stability; inspections of past contracts to verify quality craft skills and technical competence and have satisfactory public, employers’ and third party insurance cover. They must also comply with Health and Safety Legislation and its own code of practice as well as British and European Standards. All member contractors are rigorously vetted before joining NFRC and then every three years.

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OUTSIDE & GARDENS

AND FINALLY . . .

THE GARDEN Once it is finished, and you have moved into your new home, one of the biggest joys is creating the perfect setting for the gem you have just built with a glorious garden

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he pandemic has taught us all to value our gardens and even creating extra space with garden rooms – either for working from home or for a spot of peace and quiet.

You might not be adding top soil, turf and plants until the very end, when season and budget allow, but the finished look is something you need to have in mind from the start.

Bi-fold glass doors will open up living areas and turn parts of your garden into garden rooms. This trend can be seen in the way that garden seating is looking more and more like weatherproof versions of conservatory furniture.

Heating systems are also getting more and more sophisticated; extending the time we spend outdoors.

The ‘hard’ landscaping, of outside power supply and taps need to be decided on while work takes place on the property. So too do features like paths and patios. Concrete bases for sheds and summer houses created when the concrete is being poured for the main build also make sense.

Creating a garden is like building more rooms – and value – for your home.

Gardens to inspire Scotland’s Gardens Scheme celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2021 with keen gardeners throwing open their gates and inviting everyone in.

The gardens have been opening gradually since the start of April in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

This year 70 new gardens are opening for first time; along with 38 village and group openings and five plant sales.

Who knows, give your garden a few years to mature and you could be joining in.

It is a great way to find inspiration for your new garden and visiting one close to you will give you an idea about which plants thrive in your area – plus a great deal of local gardening advice. If there is one thing gardeners like to do it’s share!

And a good way to start stocking your garden is to visit one of the scheme’s plant sales, they are being held at Kilmacolm, Huntly, Kirriemuir, Helensburgh and Cupar.

Look out for the distinctive yellow signs at the roadside on the day and visit www.scotlandsgardens.org for listings.

Clockwise from top left: Windsor lounging sofa set, £2,699. www. bridgman.co.uk; Hoole Seaton lightweight steel patio fire pit with grate, £279.99. www.gardenesque.com; Personalised vintage spoon garden marker, £10.www.vintagecandy2u.com; Star terracotta plant pot, £15. www.scaramangashop.co.uk; Humbie Dean; Everything you need to build a den, £40. www.thedenkitco.com.

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Graham Sandals Timber Buildings

Huts, Bothies & Outbuildings in Scottish grown Larch

Tel 01786 841788 07773 809345

www.grahamsandals.co.uk info@grahamsandals.co.uk

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