A bespoke timber home
Offsite construction has allowed the Macalisters to create their dream property on a windy hilltop
Location Aberdeenshire Style Contemporary House size 337m2 (incl. garage) Project cost £484,000 Construction method Closed panel timber frame Project route Turnkey build with Cairnrowan Custom Homes Timber frame supplier Scotframe
With two young children at school to take up their time and attention, the Macalisters were keen for their self build to cause as little disruption to their daily lives as possible. “Energy efficiency and low running costs were also a high priority for us,” say the couple, who had a speedy build time and eco credentials in mind. The Macalisters therefore looked to find a supplier that would be able to offer the full package. They approached Cairnrowan Custom Homes to find the perfect plot and construct a bespoke house. They also wanted the company to take on the project management. “We loved their previous builds and liked their design style,” say the couple.
Building offsite
Cairnrowan offered a plot of land atop a blustery hill in Aberdeenshire. Despite the exposed location, the couple fell in love with the stunning views of Bennachie, which forms part of the Grampian mountains. Hearts set on creating their dream home here, they chose their favourite timber frame design and Cairnrowan took care of the rest.
The build began in November 2018 with Scotframe providing the closed panel timber frame, manufactured offsite in a factory. In keeping with the Macalisters’ green ethos, the materials provide excellent thermal efficiency, with insulation injected into the frame under qualitycontrolled conditions, so that the foam can expand into every nook and cranny. Plus, the wall, floor and roof panels fit together perfectly to minimise heat loss as a result of factory-precision engineering. Having the components created offsite meant that the Macalisters could expect excellent performance from their home, as well as enjoying the build speed benefits of timber frame.
The couple had entrusted the project management to Cairnrowan, but that didn’t mean they weren’t involved. “We would visit site a couple of times a week and couldn’t believe the progress that was made,” they say. While the frame was being cut in the factory, the foundations needed to be excavated ready for the structure to be erected. This job requires absolute precision for the timber frame to slot together perfectly – and the team got it spot on.
Because of their clean work, Scotframe were able to erect the frame within two days, even in the wintery weather conditions. “We were astonished that our home was built so quickly,” say the Macalisters. “We visited site one day to see the concrete foundations and a couple of days later the house was up! It was very surreal.”
The perfect result
The timber frame build consists of three separate linked buildings, including a detached double garage. It’s clad in local stone, timber and slate to complement the rural surroundings. Inside is a large open-plan kitchen-livingdiner with a two-sided stove providing warmth and a feature focal point. Vaulted ceilings add drama to the space and large patio doors capture glorious vistas over the Scottish countryside. There is a snug, tucked away from the open-plan area, as well as four bedrooms and three bathrooms to accommodate the entire family.
The fabric first approach means that the couple now have an incredibly energy-efficient home. This is combined with a host of renewable technologies – including solar PV, a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit and an air source heat pump – to keep the house warm and healthy, with fresh air constantly circulating. It’s been the ideal journey for the Macalisters. “We got the size, style, high quality finishes, amazing views and low running costs – all in 14 weeks and on budget,” they say. “We love our home and are amazed we didn’t have to make compromises.”
Cairnrowan Custom Homes 07920 867377 www.cairnrowancustomhomes.com
Scotframe 01467 624440 www.scotframe.co.uk