Set within the prestigious surroundings of the Dee Valley, Number Three – The Paddocks forms part of a contemporary development on the south side of Banchory, where Fiddes Architects were appointed to design three of the five new dwellings.
The design is composed of two distinct architectural elements, a main two-storey volume and a single-storey wing that together create a balanced and harmonious composition responding sensitively to both site and context. The material palette draws inspiration from the North East’s vernacular architecture, blending traditional references with modern refinement. Natural slate cladding defines the principal form of the house, while sustainably sourced thermally modified pine cladding softens the single-storey element, creating a timeless and durable exterior rooted in its landscape.
The entrance sequence is carefully choreographed, featuring a sheltered, canopied approach where the Larch cladding wraps seamlessly around to frame a recessed front door. Beyond, a glazed vestibule provides a direct visual link through the central circulation space to the living area and garden beyond, establishing a strong sense of openness and flow from the moment of arrival.
A defining feature of Number 3 is the relationship between the home’s interior and its landscaped garden. Expansive glazing blurs the threshold between inside and out, while a partially canopied patio extends the living space outdoors, encouraging year-round use and connection with the natural surroundings.
Inside, the ground floor accommodates generous open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas, complemented by a flexible snug or study, a private guest suite, accessible WC, and a practical utility and boot room linking directly to the carport and garage. The upper level provides three further bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom, completing a home that balances functionality, warmth, and a distinctive architectural character.
Crafted with care and precision, this family home embraces natural light, honest materials, and a sense of permanence, reflecting both the character of its setting and the refinement of its design.
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.