Shortlisted for the 2023 Aberdeen Society of Architects Design awards!
The Beeches, William Street was a full renovation and extension of a traditional bungalow in the rural village of Torphins, Aberdeenshire. The client’s brief was to modernise and extend the 1970’s architect designed home which would increase the living accommodation and include a space to enjoy the generous garden. Given the location on a quiet rural street in the village it was important to modernise but keep the external appearance modest and simple whilst being true to the original form.
Fiddes Architects approach was to use the existing linear footprint of the bungalow. The renovation included re- insulation of the entire envelope, and installation of underfloor heating. Overall reducing heat loss and cold bridging whilst increasing air tightness.
The original form was maintained but with various material interventions to enhance the building fabric. The original slate roof was saved and the existing wet harled render was replaced with a combination of white silicone render broken up with sections of Siberian Larch cladding. Siberian larch cladding is not only sustainable, but also reflected the site context from the quiet tree lined street side and mature trees in the rear garden landscape. All windows and doors were replaced and new openings were formed to rationalise the external appearance in line with the new material choices.
Entering the house under a newly formed sheltered canopy you are welcomed into the spacious entrance hallway which flows through double doors to enter the dining and living space. The private living space is located in the west wing of the house and the kitchen and further living accommodation including a wine store at the east wing. Separating the two but maintaining a central focussed living space.
The bungalow sits on an elevated position as the garden slopes away. A generous decking area was incorporated in order to appreciate the mature private garden from the higher vantage point with southern views.
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.