Drummygar, Angus

Drummygar, Angus

“This is our second self-build, having previously built a house in Arbroath back in 2007. After completion we felt that we would like to do it again and purchased the plot at the end of 2009. Before lock-down we decided that we were ready for a new creative project.

My wife was working for a timber cladding company that partnered with Loader Monteith Architects at the time. Angie was inspired by their designs, which resulted in us working together. We are both highly creative, driven and love architecture, we like the design and problem-solving aspect of self-building, alongside the actual building. It is not easy; every emotion has been experienced throughout but it is worth it.” explains Colin.

Jamie of Loader Monteith Architects advises, “one of the unique aspects of the project was that the client was also the builder. Colin is a joiner by trade so is an experienced builder himself, he is a very diligent person, and the site was one of the tidiest I have ever seen!

This is a dream house for themselves, by themselves, using Colin’s skillset, so timber frame building with timber cladding. The intention was to create a luxury home working within the client’s budget. They did this by having a straightforward design and repeated detailing across build, for example around windows.

This meant that when Colin learned a new skill, it could be repeated time and time again, resulting in a high-quality finish across the build.

The design of the building leans on the Scottish vernacular architecture that you find in rural locations here, so a pitched roof and an L shaped building, like the agricultural building you may find in and around Angus.  The finishes on the roof were metal, and the colour chosen was red, that evokes the look of the rusted tin roofs and quite often red is a colour that is chosen on other agricultural buildings in Scotland, allowing the house to sit naturally in its surroundings.  The stone cladding was repurposed from an old, dilapidated bothy on site, the stone itself from a local quarry.

Why choose Rationel?

Working within the clients budget we did discuss the importance of specifying high quality windows & doors as these can make or break a project. We found the Rationel windows to be of the highest performance, they look fantastic and are affordable.

We specify Rationel regularly. The product is great; we love the details like handles and the flush trickle vents. Internally we can deliver a much neater finish, which is important to the client as they look at this more than the outside. Although not used on this project, the clear lacquered pine option is very popular with our clients for a warm, natural feel and the finish is of a remarkably high standard.”

Colin told us: “We like the Rationel products and have used them on previous projects. We love the shape and slimness of the profile, they also look modern compared to other competitor products.”

Working with ADW

“We dealt with Stuart and met him in the showroom and although we came to ADW knowing that we were looking for Rationel products, we were not aware of the differing options available to us.  We had a number of tall openings and Stuart was great at pointing out the best product for these positions.

We had no issues throughout the ordering process and delivery was great. Everything was well packaged, so this helped to move product around the site with no issues.”

The Result

“We are happy with the result. We experienced one or two small issues that required contact with the aftersales department. We dealt with Mark, and he was extremely helpful. All issues were dealt with quickly and smoothly, first class service in all departments.”

Jamie added: “We are pleased with the completed project, the clients seem really happy to be living in it, which is the most satisfying part. The windows allow the clients to interact with the outside from almost all aspects of the home. It is a calm and soothing place to be, the clients are happy and so we feel we achieved our goals.

We are elated that the house won the "best use of stone " at the Dundee Institute of Architects Awards and won a truly deserved commendation in the "house of the year" category!”

Photography by Jim Stephenson -@clickclickjim