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.

Our people

Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

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    Our people

    Glen Moy Bothy | Angus Glens

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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.

      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.

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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’!

        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

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          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

                    Commercial, Conservation, Design Case Studies, Residential

                    City of Brechin | Townscape Heritage Initiative

                    Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative

                    Public Sector funded restoration project to transform historic row of 19th century, gable-ended buildings.

                    Brief

                    Bell Ingram Design was appointed as Project Architect and Lead Consultant on seven linked projects within the Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). The work centred on a historic row of early 19th century, gable-ended buildings along 29-33 High Street. The main project was the conversion of a derelict property. into three apartments and ground floor retail space. We were also appointed by the neighbouring owners on both sides of this property to carry out external restoration, plus THI grants also enabled BI Design to complete external improvements on four further communally owned properties within this key area. Brechin THI was a five-year, £2.9 million project funded by Angus Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Historic Scotland (Historic Environment Heritage Fund – Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme).

                    Process

                    29-33 High Street was one of a number of similar, historic properties located on Brechin High Street. The overriding character of the buildings was based more on the consistency and use of locally sourced building materials rather than on a particular architectural style; the quality of design being attributed to the skill of local artisans. However, the row had fallen into dereliction because Brechin’s historically low property prices meant that the cost of conversion back to a habitable standard exceeded the property’s value once refurbished. The appointment of BI Design to carry out work on properties adjacent to 29-33 High Street meant that we were able to apply a consistent approach to the grouping as a whole. As each property had a different client (sometimes multiple clients), the works were restricted by budget to a greater or lesser extent and had to be carefully prioritised. 

                    Outcome

                    Being a high-profile site within the centre of Brechin it was important to minimise any disruption caused to the local community by scaffolding. The construction works were completed within budget and with no complaints received from residents or businesses. Restoration of the 19th century row has greatly enhanced Brechin’s existing streetscape which Angus Council believes will in turn help to raise the spirits of Brechiners and attract new jobs and investment. Retail space and apartments within the Arrowpoint developments are now occupied and, importantly, the value of each property has been enhanced by applying a consistent approach across the row.

                    Our people

                    City of Brechin | Townscape Heritage Initiative

                    Get in touch

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

                      Our people

                      City of Brechin | Townscape Heritage Initiative

                      Get in touch

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

                        Article posted on 26/06/2019

                        Commercial, Conservation, Design Case Studies

                        Marshall Monument | Perth & Kinross Council

                        Marshall Monument Refurbishment

                        Historic city centre project to replace copper and cupola on landmark building in Perth’s Cultural Quarter.

                        Brief

                        Perth and Kinross Council instructed Bell Ingram Design to replace the failing copper skin and cupola on the Grade B Listed Marshall Monument, which is part of Perth Museum and Art Gallery. The internal cast iron structure needed refurbishment, and the inside and outside of the Marshall Monument required re-decorating. Management of a city centre site where the boundary is the physical edge of the building required detailed planning of the construction process with strict constraints placed on the contractor in terms of site compound, deliveries and security.

                        Process

                        To avoid negative press for our client, the existing copper was replaced with a pre-patinated copper sheet matching the colour of the copper sheeting which was removed, and the cupola was completely replaced with a new steel structure and glazing to provide adequate ventilation as well as a water tight skin. The internal cast iron structure was completely stripped back by hand and treated with anti-corrosion coatings. New floors were constructed within the actual dome to provide easier access for future maintenance and repairs.

                        Outcome

                        The project was successfully completed on time and within budget, and despite the difficult site restraints, with no complaints received from local residents or businesses. This was particularly important to the client as the Marshall Monument is a much-loved Perth landmark, and all aspects of the construction work came under close scrutiny from public, press and business community. 

                        Testimonial

                        “Bell Ingram has worked for Perth and Kinross Council for a number of years. The quality of professional services and technical competence has always been to a very high standard.” –  Alistair Cummings , Perth and Kinross Council, Maintenance and Projects Officer.

                        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 01/04/2018