Capturing the breathtaking views

Afamily from Aberfeldy, with three active children, briefed JML Contracts to engineer their new home, which was designed by Colin Potter of Architeco. The bespoke five-bedroom SIPs kit needed to both maximise the plot’s stunning views down the valley to Schiehallion, one of the best known Munros, and provide practical, energy-efficient and modern living space. The desire to make the most of the views and maximise natural light meant that the design required large quantities of glazing. This resulted in a relatively complex structural design, which was readily achievable thanks to the strength and versatility of SIPs. They were also keen that every bit of space within the property was maximised. Since SIPs don’t require roof trusses, this meant that the upstairs rooms and the double-height hallway were constructed with vaulted ceilings, making them light and spacious. JML The Contracts’ SIPs kit Perthshire was precision factory engineered and the and company manufactured then spent in a period of two weeks on site erecting it to a wind and water tight level; then working with the client to complete the cladding, slate roofing and external stonework, which reused stone from an old orchard wall on the site. JML’s in-house civils team managed and completed all the groundworks, including levelling out the slightly sloping site before laying the foundations and coordinating delivery of the pre-cut SIPs kit down a narrow farm track using a tractor and trailer. The result was one happy family: ‘For us, the priority was always to build a family home that was both beautiful and efficient. Choosing to build in SIPs was the logical choice. Having a single contractor we knew we could trust who was able to do everything meant that we could focus on getting the interior details perfect. ‘We’re over the moon that we were able to build such an exceptionally thermally efficient home without having to compromise on the design elements, such as the glazing, that were so important to us.’