Design Case Studies, Planning

Giving clients the inside track on planning

Giving clients the inside track on planning

Bell Ingram’s Planning team has provided professional planning and design advice for hill tracks throughout Scotland over the past 10 years for a variety of clients.

Brief

Statutory consents are required for the formation, alteration or maintenance of all hill, farm and forestry tracks in Scotland. Planning permission and/or Prior Notification to the planning authority need to be secured before any work construction can start on site.

We have provided professional planning and design advice for tracks throughout Scotland over the past 10 years for a variety of clients including farmers, SSE, SPEN, Scottish Water, festival organisers and sporting tenants. All of these have been in different locations and for a variety of uses.

Process

We have the experience and a good understanding of the relevant legislation, policies and the guidelines published by planning authorities, Naturescot, SEPA and the Forestry and Land Scotland to inform the appropriate siting, design and construction of tracks.

We can also establish any natural environment designations, landscape or National Park designations and any implication these may have for the development proposed. We can then identify from the start if environmental consultants need to be appointed to mitigate any potential adverse impacts on peat, water environment or landscape and visual amenity.

Outcome

Bell Ingram Design always ensures that applications are supported by sufficient information to be validated and determined without unnecessary delay and additional costs to the client. Our experience is that by been involved from the start of the process, we can provide a professional input which in the client’s best interests.

With this approach we recently secured planning permission for a new hill track for an energy company to be retained for future use by the farmer, which was determined well within the statutory period of eight weeks and within the budget agreed at the outset.

Article posted on 01/09/2022

Design Case Studies, Residential

Finnish ‘Honka’ Home | Kishorn

Onnela is a ‘place of happiness’ in Kishorn

This stunning four-bedroom ‘Honka’ home uses natural building materials to create a warm and harmonious living environment with high indoor air quality that reduces stress and improve wellbeing. The property is also extremely energy efficiency.

Brief

Our client wanted to build a four bedroom house on the site of an old petrol station in the Highland hamlet of Kishorn. However, the house was to be supplied by Honka, a Finnish company specialising in log homes.

The construction team flew over from Finland to assemble the house which would be set onto a base provided by a Scottish contractor. Once the log walls were constructed, the local contractor would then return and complete the roofing, heating and electrical works and all of the external works.

Bell Ingram Design provided a full architectural service for this build including Planning preparation and approval process, Building Warrant preparation and approval process, coordination of the tender for the construction works and Contract Administration Services during the construction phase itself.

Process

This was a complex build which required precise co-ordination between our team, our chosen Scottish contractor and the Honka design team.

Ensuring that the property would comply with Scottish building regulations also required input from both Finnish and Scottish structural engineers. This construction technique may have been common throughout Scandinavia for centuries, but a considerable amount of supporting information was required to satisfy the local Building Control Department regarding the durability and long term performance of the solid log wall construction.

The redevelopment of a petrol station site also required extensive investigations to identify potential contamination with areas replaced with clean infill material.

Outcome

The owner named the house ‘Onnela’ which means ‘place of happiness’ in Finnish, and it is very much a showcase for the many benefits of solid log built homes which have been appreciated for centuries not just in Scandanavia but across the globe

From the smell of the pine wood, to the ability of the solid timbers to even out changes in interior humidity, to the general sense of well-being that living in a solid wood building brings for the inhabitants, the completed house demonstrates all of these qualities.

And while the project was certainly challenging, the outcome has been well worth the effort creating a stunning property constructed from Finnish Arctic pine set in the delightful village of Kishorn, near to the famous Bealach Na Ba pass and on the North Coast 500 route.

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Article posted on 01/09/2022

Design Case Studies, Our Services Page, Residential

Shepherd’s Cottage | Badanloch Estate

Shepherd’s Cottage, Badanloch Estate

Transforming a traditional estate property into a stunning base for field sports enthusiasts.

Brief

In 2019 Bell Ingram Design (BID) was appointed by Badanloch Estate to refurbish and extend their former Shepherd’s Cottage into a high-quality holiday let.

The client required full architectural services which encompassed taking the project from inception to completion. This included: concept design, detailed design, building warrant approval, tender package and contract administration during construction.

Process

The basis of the design was to create a comfortable, relaxing and practical arrangement to the ground and first floors of the existing cottage. This included adding a dormer to the rear of the property to give adequate height for an additional shower room on the first floor.

Due to the property’s rural location and limited space, a functional, multi-purpose space was required and it was decided to extend to the front elevation, creating a spacious, entrance vestibule/drying room. The room was designed to meet the needs of guests who come to enjoy the fishing, stalking and hill walking on the estate, enhancing and improving their experience with practical and sensible solutions.

The design and materials of the extension contrast with the existing stone walls and Scottish slate roof. However, the use of the estate colours marry the two together.

Outcome

The renovation and extension to Shepherd’s Cottage was completed in Spring 2021, following lengthy delays due to the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions imposed in 2020. Since its completion, the cottage has been welcoming many visitors to the estate, allowing them to relax, enjoy and experience one of Scotland’s most stunning highland landscapes.

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Article posted on 20/11/2020

Design Case Studies, Our Services Page, Residential, Residential Page

Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

Full Design Service Renovation Project

Derelict agricultural building transformed into a stylish holiday home which compliments the landscape and makes the most of the stunning views across Glen Clova and Glen Moy.

Brief

Bell Ingram Design (BID) were asked to convert and extend a derelict bothy into a modern, three-bedroom holiday home. The property is located on an Angus estate and the client had immediately seen the potential of its stunning views across to Glen Moy and Glen Glova.

This was a full design service brief which involved securing planning and building warrant approval, managing the tender process, and delivering full project management on site.

 

Process

An open plan living space was created in the main bothy section with existing and new openings used to maintain the agricultural appearance. A Siberian larch-clad extension was added to the north side of the property to house a bedroom, utility room, bathroom and sunroom with a large picture window opening onto a glazed veranda to take advantage of the views all year round. 

Outcome

This once derelict bothy is now an attractive, modern, three-bedroom dwelling house, which has been designed to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding countryside. The traditional stone bothy has been complemented by the use of natural materials on the contemporary extension. Internally the layout has been designed to provide a functional and comfortable environment. Our client was extremely happy with the finished building and regularly visit throughout the year with their friends and family.

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Article posted on 23/09/2020

Agricultural / Forestry, Design Case Studies, Planning, Residential Page

New Build Bothy | Highland Sporting Estate

Remote Lunch Bothy, Highland Estate

Client calls on BID’s planning expertise to deliver a bespoke lunch stop for shooting parties.

Brief

An existing client wanted to build a private bothy on their remote Highland Estate. The vision was to create a property which would better cater for paying guests during the grouse shooting season, generating additional income for the Estate and employment opportunities for local people. It would also be used by the client’s family and estate workers managing the moorland all year round. On this project BID provided planning and design services.

Process

We agreed a suitable location with the client and designed a simple and secure wood structure which was accessible via existing hill tracks. There was no requirement for connection to services. We submitted a planning application supported by a reasoned justification for the new bothy which, as the use included a shooting bothy, did not benefit from agricultural permitted development rights.

Outcome

Planning permission was granted with the statutory timescale of eight weeks and our success led onto further requests from new clients and owners of Highland Estates for Bell Ingram Design to advise on new and replacement bothy buildings.

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Article posted on 05/08/2020

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’!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Article posted on 14/04/2020