Fiddes Architects were appointed to carry out restoration and extensions to the 19th century private dwelling Craigton House which had suffered neglect over the years and the addition of a poorly designed conservatory extension which compromised the flow of the house for modern family life and sat uncomfortably against the existing strong granite forms.
Given the large building footprint and the available budget, works were prioritised to achieve the family living areas required and restoring the interior of the building in a cost effective way. The existing granite stonework and the roof was in good condition with little or no immediate work required.
The existing conservatory to the West Elevation was removed and replaced by a larger contemporary single storey extension forming part of the open plan living / dining area linking to new kitchen. A new slapping was taken off this kitchen leading to a generous utility by converting and extending the existing coal shed. All windows and doors were replaced with triple glazed Aluminium clad timber with a quartz grey colour chosen to not only compliment the original granite stonework but also tie through with the Quartz Zinc cladding and roof.
Various external landscaping solutions were part of the project including new granite walling, driveways, paths and new planting areas all of which brought the expansive garden ground to be more symbiotic with the dwelling itself.
Siberian Larch cladding vacuum coated with RAL 9005 (an opaque jet black) was detailed to envelope both extensions with parts of the existing granite left to protrude through and act as a break between the two. This natural material choice wraps the North West Corner and gives a striking contrast to the Granite Stonework of the existing Building.
Standing Seam Quartz Zinc cladding and Roofing was the second primary material choice for the extension which was broken up by large glass sliding doors to the South West corner with carefully detailed junctions and panel sizes. The overhanging zinc roof provides sheltered seating areas out from the main living space and also to the new functional entrance to the dwelling through a lobby / boot room.
As with all restoration works of this nature, various surprises were uncovered throughout the build but with good working relationships between the design team, client and contractor, any issues were soon resolved without compromising the project goal of transforming this home for the families future together.
Office Administrator
Angela started working with the Fiddes Architects team in 2021 as office administrator.
Angela has an enthusiasm for home and interior design and has been on the other side of the table during her own Fiddes architects self-build project.
Outside of the office Angela enjoys walking, keeping fit and interior decorating.
Project Architect
Eddie became part of our team in 2019, bringing with him a wealth of experience garnered from diverse practices, spanning projects ranging from public sector housing to multimillion-pound private estate developments on the picturesque West Coast of Scotland.
Since his arrival at the practice, Eddie has played a vital role in the successful delivery of numerous conversion, extension, and new build projects. His dedication and commitment were further underscored by successfully qualifying as a chartered Architect in 2022.
A key member of the team Eddie assumes the role of lead Architect on several projects, where his penchant for problem-solving and passion for environmentally conscious design shine through.
Apart from raising a young family Eddie is fascinated by engines, cars and a big motor sports fan.
Associate Architect
Since joining Fiddes Architects in 2016 Finlay has helped grow the practice’s reputation and has been central to our journey in gaining a number of architectural awards. Finlay qualified as a chartered Architect in 2018 and has since honed his expertise assuming responsibility for their oversight from inception to fruition, spanning all phases of design and construction.
Finlay has experience in both the Public and Private Sectors of the Architectural and Construction industry and had a lead role in large scale housing regeneration projects, adaptation works, and private housing projects.
Finlay’s passion in architecture rests with simplistic, contemporary, design which maintains subtle links to the vernacular whether that be in building, landscape or cultural forms. Finlay believes that great design is manifested from attention to detail and working closely with clients and as a team.
In his downtime Finlay enjoys travelling, sports, D&D and gardening.
Director / Architect
Having served his time with two well-known Scottish Architect Practices in Glasgow, Eoghain also worked in New Zealand as a Project Architect before establishing Fiddes Architects in 2009 in his native home town Banchory.
With a building contractor as a father and being brought up on a building site it was little wonder that Eoghain knew from a very young age that he wanted to become an Architect. The knowledge gained in those formulative years where every home was a self-build gave Eoghain an excellent foundation in the hands-on side of building which he still draws on to this day.
Eoghain loves what he does and is passionate about all things design related with a strong focus on how things are put together. Responsible for developing the vision of the practice and coordinating the design of projects Eoghain works with a talented team of architects to deliver buildings that improve the life of our clients. Throughout the project process he is directly involved and is passionate about the detail, ensuring that we deliver buildings where the architectural vision has been carried through to completion.
Outside of work Eoghain loves the outdoors, especially camping trips around Scotland with his young family, keeping fit & playing music. At home small scale projects are always on the go,,,,,, building things is in his DNA.