Durris depot reflects the future of low carbon workplace builds

Designing a low carbon office for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has been a hugely rewarding experience for Murray Fleming, Bell Ingram Design’s senior architect.

He wanted to create an exemplar for his clients, who are strongly focused on sustainability as they strive to become a greener organisation and ultimately reach their Net Zero goal.

The build, which is located at FLS’s Durris Depot near Banchory, provided the opportunity to deliver an optimised workplace, using sustainable materials and minimising energy consumption.

Murray Fleming says: “Forestry and Land Scotland’s commitment to making its infrastructure more sustainable meant it was extremely important for BID to deliver a sustainable and inclusive workplace which embedded our client’s green principles in its design.

“In many ways Durris offers a glimpse into the future of workplace construction. Unfortunately, builds like this are still the exception, but by highlighting the benefits of using sustainable materials, making renewable energy choices and incorporating smarter working principals, we hope to encourage others in the sector to consider such techniques.”

A flexible design has enabled Bell Ingram Design to embrace the Civil Service’s ‘smarter working’ principles of using technology, property and leadership to give workers more flexibility over how, when and where they work.

There are no allocated desks or fixed computers, instead the office accommodation at Durris allows for quick laptop connection at any workstation by any user. To facilitate a ‘clear desk’ policy, lockers are provided for personal staff belongings. In addition, all desks are ‘rise and fall’ allowing a personalised set-up from sitting to standing.

Elsewhere, breakout areas are provided for casual one-to-one meetings and ‘touch down’ short period use, and an external terrace further extends the flexibility of the working environment.

A key element in the build was the choice of materials. Sustainably sourced larch cladding was the low energy choice for the timber exterior, while castor-oil-based open cell spray insulation provides exceptional air tightness.

Murray used aluminium clad timber windows and doors which combined the low embodied energy of timber and the long-term performance of aluminium with its ability to recycle at the end of the building’s life. Aluminium profile sheeting was used on the roof as well, again for its long term performance and recycling credentials.

To minimise energy consumption, the orientation and glazing were designed to maximise passive solar energy gains, with external louvres providing protection from summer overheating. Summer cooling is enhanced by the inclusion of sliding doors to the staff room and main office. All lighting is LED although the high levels of daylighting reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Heating is provided by an air source pump also serving water based underfloor heating. With 100% renewable electricity available this approach allows the building to operate with a fully renewable energy source.

Along with the construction of the new building, the brief also included extensive upgrades to the external yard areas to provide additional parking and improvements to the day-to-day operation of the depot.

If you are considering a building project of any size, Bell Ingram Design is on hand to provide the expert advice to help you achieve your goals. Email design@bellingram.co.uk

Article posted on 10/02/2022

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.

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

    Our people

    Lauren Livingston

    Lauren Livingston

    Associate, Architectural Technologist
    Design
    Tel: 01307 462 516

    About: Lauren joined Bell Ingram Design in 2017 with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology. Following her success in winning the student CIAT Aspiration Award, she has continued to be an active member of CIAT as an Associate Member. Lauren works from our Forfar office providing assistance to our Principal Architects and Planner on projects throughout the country. Interests: Architecture, Building Conservation, BIM (Building Information Modelling), Sustainability.

    Get in touch

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

      Article posted on 20/11/2020

      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.

      Our people

      Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

      Get in touch

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

        Our people

        Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

        Get in touch

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

          Article posted on 23/09/2020

          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

            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