Nestled within a newly established residential setting in the prestigious Dee Valley, Number One – The Paddocks forms part of a small contemporary development on the south side of Banchory where Fiddes Architects were appointed to Design 3 of the 5 new dwellings.
Every element of the design has been carefully considered at Number One, from the building’s orientation and massing to its dialogue with the surrounding landscape. The layout adopts a part-cross plan, featuring a two-storey central section running east-west with a single-storey wing extending north-south. The resulting composition feels both balanced and responsive to its setting.
While confidently modern in expression, the dwelling draws subtle inspiration from the local vernacular through the thoughtful use of proportion and familiar materials. The palette is simple yet refined with natural, durable finishes characteristic of the region that age gracefully over time.
A striking sandstone feature wall defines the entrance, extending from the exterior through the heart of the home and out into the garden, visually linking the internal and external spaces. A slimline glazed door separates the two while allowing afternoon and evening light to flood deep into the interior.
The ground floor provides generous open-plan living areas alongside a lounge, guest suite, accessible WC, home gym, and utility/boot room with direct access to the carport and garage. Expansive glazing connects the principal spaces to landscaped gardens on the north, south, and west elevations. The northern garden serves a more practical function, and the southern garden offers a tranquil, formal space with a pond, wildflower planting, and a garden room for entertaining.
Upstairs, three bedrooms and a home office are arranged along a naturally lit east-west corridor beneath rooflights. Each room enjoys views across the sedum green roof and the landscaped gardens beyond.
A defining principle of the design is the seamless relationship between inside and out. Finely detailed steelwork and extensive glazing create sheltered outdoor canopies that blur the boundary between architecture and landscape. This design language continues through to the garden room, maintaining a unified and crafted aesthetic throughout the site.
The material palette: Thermally modified pine cladding, locally sourced Sandstone, Quartz Grey Zinc standing-seam roofing, and a living sedum roof reinforces a cohesive, timeless character that feels both contemporary and rooted in place.
The result is a timeless contemporary home that celebrates craftsmanship, light, and its seamless connection to the surrounding Dee Valley landscape, a calm and refined retreat where modern design and natural texture exist together in harmony.
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.