Agricultural / Forestry, Design Case Studies, Our Services Page, Residential Page

RSPB Bird Hide | Udale Bay Reserve | The Black Isle

RSPB Bird Hide, Udale Bay Reserve

Replacing an end of life hide with a larger structure that featured an interpretation space and full access for wheelchair users.

Brief

The RSPB’s Udale Bay Reserve is a peaceful, intertidal bay on the Cromarty Firth which is home to thousands of waders, ducks and geese. With our experience of working in protected natural habitats, Bell Ingram Design was engaged to replace an end of life hide on the site with a new, larger structure that would include an interpretation space along with full access for wheelchair users. 

Process

The design approach was for an all timber structure with larch cladding which was left untreated allowing it weather naturally to a silvery finish. The building was set on stilts to minimise its impact on the immediate surrounding ground.

Careful consideration was given to the ergonomics of the seated viewing windows so that all of these could be used by both wheelchair and non wheelchair users. A large floor-to-ceiling viewing window was incorporated providing a panoramic view over the bay, another wall included child height windows allowing up close viewing of the bird life in the trees and shrubs next to the building. Dedicated space was also provided for an artwork by a local artist which fills the hide with colour depicting the changing seasons along with the range of seasonal birds that visit the Reserve.

Outcome

The building has proved to be very successful, we were very pleased to read the following entry in the Visitors’ Book from RSPB members visiting from England shortly after the building’s opening: “What a fantastic hide, we have never seen such an excellent hide catering for all ages, well done!”

With feedback like that, we consider that ‘Job done’!

Our people

Murray Fleming

Murray Fleming

Senior Associate, Architect
Design
Tel: 01463 717 799

About: As Senior Architect based in Bell Ingram’s Beauly office, Murray is responsible for the company's architectural services covering the Highlands and Islands. He has extensive design and project management experience in a wide range of building sectors, including residential, commercial, public and healthcare. Interests: Full architectural design service, Planning advice & submissions, Feasibility studies, Condition surveys, Building warrant advice & submissions, Administration of construction contracts.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

    Article posted on 03/08/2020

    Commercial, Conservation, Design Case Studies

    The Webster Memorial Theatre | Arbroath

    The Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath

    Award-winning project transformed historic theatre into a modern and fully compliant visitor attraction.

    Brief

    Our client Angus Council engaged Bell Ingram Design in 2004 to fully refurbish and transform the historic Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath into a modern visitor attraction and improve the overall audience experience. Externally the Main Façade, built in 1867, was in poor condition with the stonework badly eroded and spalling, plus there was a particular focus on Health and Safety and the Disability Discrimination Act, with the theatre facing closure if not swiftly brought up to acceptable standards.

    Process

    A grant from the Town Heritage Initiative was sufficient to fully fund the renovation of the external stonework. Improvements were made to the provision of public spaces including the creation of an attractive and inviting entrance area and foyer. The main auditorium was completely remodelled to significantly enhance sightlines, lighting sound and acoustics, with disabled access fully integrated with the overall design. Radical enhancements to the Assembly Hall provided additional multi-function performance and conference space. Work on the theatre also tied into an opportunity to improve the existing streetscape.

    Outcome

    The Webster Theatre is now a fully accessible, multi-functional and successful professional theatre. The success of the project can be demonstrated by the range of awards it has received since opening in January 2008. The theatre received the award for Best Example of Environmental Improvement/Conservation 2008 from the Dundee Institute of Architects, the Ron MacFarlane Award for the Best Accessible Building in Angus in 2008 and the Angus Council 2009 Excellence Award for Project of the Year.

    Our people

    The Webster Memorial Theatre | Arbroath

    Get in touch

    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

      Our people

      The Webster Memorial Theatre | Arbroath

      Get in touch

      We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

        Article posted on 21/07/2020

        Agricultural / Forestry, Design Case Studies

        The Lookout | RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve | Kingussie

        The Lookout, RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve

        Combining beauty with accessibility to create a hide in one of the most important wetlands in Europe.

        Brief

        The RSPB engaged Bell Ingram Design to provide a replacement building for a bird hide at its Insh Marshes reserve, which is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. The new building needed to fulfil a number of important additional functions:

        • Provide a panoramic viewpoint over the marshes and to the mountains beyond.
        • Provide a shelter for group talks by the reserve rangers.
        • Provide an interpretation space for information on the life of the marshes.
        • Act as a focal point for visitors to the reserve and assisting through high quality design to promote the reserve.
        • And last, but not least, allow access for all abilities which the previous building did not achieve.

        Process

        The approach was to create a building on two levels with both areas accessible to all abilities. A lower enclosed level would provide a sheltered viewing space, interpretation space and space for group talks while an open upper level would provide unhindered 360 degree views over the reserve.

        The building itself was designed with a circular form ‘sliced’ through with a fully glazed floor to ceiling ‘viewing wall’ projecting out over a steep banking running down to the marshes below. This form was designed to create both a sense of shelter and at the same time drama for visitors.

        This approach was made possible by utilising the topography of the site to allow full wheelchair access to both levels of the building.

        Outcome

        Located as it is in both a National Nature Reserve and National Park, the design took great care to minimise disturbance to the landscape.

        The building has proved to be very popular with the general public, and has helped to bring increased numbers of visitors to the Reserve, particularly local schools to use the classroom space.

        Recognition for the project also came shortly after its opening with its inclusion in the Cairngorm National Park Design Awards shortlist.

        Our people

        Murray Fleming

        Murray Fleming

        Senior Associate, Architect
        Design
        Tel: 01463 717 799

        About: As Senior Architect based in Bell Ingram’s Beauly office, Murray is responsible for the company's architectural services covering the Highlands and Islands. He has extensive design and project management experience in a wide range of building sectors, including residential, commercial, public and healthcare. Interests: Full architectural design service, Planning advice & submissions, Feasibility studies, Condition surveys, Building warrant advice & submissions, Administration of construction contracts.

        Get in touch

        We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

          Article posted on 23/07/2020

          Design Case Studies, Residential

          Ryehill Oaks | Family Home in Perthshire

          Ryehill Oaks – Family Home in Perthshire

          Bell Ingram architect Bruce Stephens fulfills dream of designing and building his own family home.

          Brief

          As an architect, for me my ultimate goal was to design and build our own family home having completed a number of one-off builds for clients. Having spent a few years trying to secure a suitable building plot (I wanted remote as possible, my wife Lynne wanted as urban as possible!) we eventually managed to secure a plot on a half developed site of a former farm steading where the developer had gone bust. The hard work then began to design our contemporary family home that suited everyone!

          Process

          As the site already had planning permission, a simple change of house design was required and the Council were very supportive of a contemporary modern design but which was still in scale with the surrounding houses. Having secured all the necessary consents, negotiations started with a trusted contractor and after some value engineering we managed to get to a contract sum we could just about afford. One of the hardest and most stressful aspects was trying to secure a self-build mortgage that was not on ridiculous terms even though we owned the site and were only borrowing about 50% of the build costs.

          Outcome

          Having now been in the house for just over two years, it has been a great success and is thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Nearly everyone who visits also loves the internal spaces, even if they are not sure of the external athletics and we received some very positive comments from the judges on Scotland’s Home of the Year. Our kids both love the space inside and out and both make great use of the ‘dance studio’ for Highland dancing and playing the bagpipes!

          Our people

          Iain Cram

          Iain Cram

          Architect
          Design
          Tel: 01738 621 121

          About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.

          Get in touch

          We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

            Article posted on 14/04/2020

            Conservation, Design Case Studies, Our Services Page, Residential

            Great Glen Hall, Inverness | Robertson Homes | Phase 2

            Great Glen Hall – Robertson Homes

            Playing a key role in transforming a derelict hospital into stylish apartments and townhouses.

            Brief

            Robertson Homes engaged Bell Ingram Design as Design team leaders, Architects, Planning and Heritage Consultants to assist in their ambitious transformation of the Grade B listed Craig Dunain psychiatric hospital in Inverness into the Great Glen Hall development of stylish apartments and townhouses. The project, which is part of the wider Westercraigs housing development, was made particularly challenging because the building had suffered severe damage to the central area after a fire in 2007.

            Process

            In collaboration with Roberson Homes and supported by Highland Council, Bell Ingram Design delivered detailed proposals to reconfigure the building into a broad mix of large townhouses through to smaller flatted blocks. A sound understanding of how the original building was designed and intended to function, allowed the Design Team to work with the remaining structure to provide a viable solution that met the concerns of all the interested stakeholders.

            Outcome

            The £13 million redevelopment of Craig Dunain into Great Glen Hall is an ongoing flagship project for Robertson Homes with Bell Ingram Design playing a key role in the transformation process which has seen traditional materials and mature landscaping combined with 21st century interiors and amenities. A highlight was restoring the landmark to its former glory by lowering the first of two 20 tonne pre-fabricated steel roofs onto the building. Entry into the first of the 60 new homes took place in Spring 2018.

            Our people

            Iain Cram

            Iain Cram

            Architect
            Design
            Tel: 01738 621 121

            About: Iain is Partner in charge of Bell Ingram Design. His main role is working with clients on projects from the initial concept, through site searches, funding challenges and statutory consents. He's an experienced and talented architect with a long track record, working on a diverse range of projects from small scale residential through to large public, commercial, residential and tourism builds. Interests: Architecture, Building Surveying, Trustee of the Scottish Lime Centre, a highly respected historic building skills training centre.

            Get in touch

            We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

              Article posted on 01/01/2020

              Property Case Studies

              C-Listed Fife Coastal Property

              C-Listed Fife Coastal Property

              Agency team turn detective to achieve successful sale of home and garden.

              Brief

              We were instructed to market an attractive, C-listed Fife property situated on the Firth of Forth coastal pathway. However, the sale was hampered by the fact that the nearby Estate, and not the seller, appeared to own the title to the garden. Our clients had declined an offer to buy the garden some years before, and when a new approach was made to the Estate, the purchase price had increased greatly.

              .

              Process

              As this point, our Agency team decided to carry out a thorough investigation into the title and purchased copies of the older title deeds from The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland. With a bit of detective work, and a desire to achieve a successful sale for our clients, we were able to establish that the boot was actually on the other foot. If indeed the Estate did own the land, then the obligation lay with them to produce their title and stake their claim.

              Outcome

              Happily, the outcome was that The Keeper accepted that our clients did have ownership and we were able to successfully conclude a sale which allowed them to downsize to a new project further along the Fife coast.

              Article posted on 21/12/2021

              Forestry Case Studies

              Woodland Creation With Protected Species

              Woodland Creation With Protected Species

              Professional approach to a challenging ecological project.

              Brief

              Bell Ingram’s forestry team were tasked with managing a large scale woodland creation scheme in proximity to an established golden eagle territory. Given the birds’ iconic status as one of Scotland’s ‘Big 5’ species – they have strict legal protection in Scotland – this was a particularly sensitive job.

              Process

              Full regard to the presence of the protected species was adhered to throughout the entire project with all operations managed accordingly.  A golden eagle foraging survey was conducted to identify areas to avoid.  During the golden eagle breeding season activities had to be managed to ensure minimal disturbance to the birds.

              Outcome

              Bell Ingram was delighted, as was our client, that our expert forestry team professionally and skillfully managed the creation of this new woodland. The conditions were challenging, but the project was delivered with minimal disturbance to the golden eagles.

              Our people

              Woodland Creation With Protected Species

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                Article posted on 29/11/2019

                Property Case Studies, Uncategorized

                Chesterhill House – Tayport, Fife

                Chesterhill House – Tayport, Fife

                The Fife development opportunity that became an international social media sensation.

                Brief

                Chesterhill House had been uninhabited for 12 years and needed complete renovation. Set in a secluded position surrounded by woodland, the property had a number of desirable architectural features including a rare oval walled garden.  As was common in the late 1800s, successful Dundee merchants would build beautiful houses in an around Newport and travel to and from their businesses via a steamer across the Tay. Chesterhill House was constructed around 1870 for this very reason.

                Process

                Our Perth Agency team were invited to bring this historic and locally well known hidden gem to the open market and our Property Manager, Carl Warden, relished the challenge. In a bold move, in agreement with the client, the property went to the market at offers over £200,000.

                Outcome

                The result was firstly a social media frenzy reaching 121,399 (89,000 in the first 48 hours). This was following by national and international coverage including Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand and on television news in the US. The resulting telephone enquiries had the Bell Ingram staff working non-stop on the project and after 156 viewers we received 15 Offers on a closing date. The property eventually achieved an outstanding sale price.

                Article posted on 25/05/2020

                Property Case Studies, Uncategorized

                Kirk O’Muir – Kinclaven, Perthshire

                Kirk O’Muir – Kinclaven, Perthshire

                Our Perth Agency team sensitively and successfully managed the emotive sale of a family property.

                Brief

                Kirk o’ Muir at Kinclaven was formerly a manse and is category C Listed. Having been a family home within the same family for many decades, the house had been empty and fallen into disrepair. Included in the title were the remains of the A Listed Kirk o’ the Muir Church which once formed an impressive Secession Church – now long disused. Within the grounds are the ruins of the coach house for the Manse.

                Process

                Our Perth Agency team were keen to bring this property to the market. Having been in the same family for so long, it was a very emotive sale for the remaining brothers who had grown up there.

                Outcome

                Kirk o’ Muir generated interest from all over the UK with many attracted by its private and idyllic location. Thirteen viewers vied with each other on a closing date and the property was sold for over the asking price to a family who were keen to make it their forever home too.

                Our people

                Carl Warden

                Carl Warden

                Partner
                Estate Agency
                Tel: 01738 621 121

                About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

                Get in touch

                We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                  Article posted on 08/11/2019