Plots 1, 2 & 3 Spyhill, Durris, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6DH

Vision

The development sympathetically restores the original steading buildings, creating two unique modern homes within the historic structure and introducing a third, architect-designed contemporary new build on adjacent land. Each property is positioned to maximise privacy, natural light, and stunning views.

Design Approach

The design has been carefully put together by BUF architecture, the structure and roofs to the existing interior courtyard and the shed to the west are to be demolished. This not only removes the structures that are of poor quality and in poor condition but leaves the original stone steading structure intact.

Following the local rural approach to farm buildings, new simple rectangular blocks finished in a roughcast but sympathetic render are added that are similar in width and proportion to the steadings, combining with them to recreate a modern ‘barn’ typology.

The historic character is preserved through careful refurbishment, re-roofing, with a highly insulated external envelope, to create a series of modern, sustainable homes. New openings bring natural light into key spaces, while landscaped courtyards create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. External elevations maintain the rural character of the building.

Homes

Steading Conversion: Each steading has a generous entrance hall with ancillary accommodation, connected to a new glazed courtyard circulation space, set within the walls of the existing steading, linking private internal spaces, with tranquil courtyards and social spaces. Bedrooms are located to the north, with living spaces to the south, opening on to private terraces and gardens. Kitchens form the heart of the home and open up to the main living and dining spaces to the south, and an open central planted private courtyard.

New Build Home: Set on a gentle slope, the new home reflects traditional farm architecture with a modern layout. Each block accommodates a different part of the programme, living, bedrooms, master suite and back of house.

The architecture relates to a series of stepped but connected blocks, mimicking the new barn typology from the steadings. The blocks step down following the natural falls and topography of the site.

To reduce the building footprint and take advantage of distant views, one block is stacked on top of the other. To minimise the perceived mass, the central block is located in the middle of the composition and recessed from the access road, which creates a semi-private and dramatic entranceway.

The organisation of the new house is based on the linear blocks and their orientation. The east facing block contains the bedrooms to receive sun in the morning. The west block contains the living spaces so that they receive evening sun, with private views and space for generous terraces. The living spaces face west through a copse of trees and to the fields beyond. The visitor and master suites are located centrally to take advantage of the intimate and private outlook and views created by the relationship of the blocks. They also received sun throughout the day.

Landscape

The outdoor spaces and landscaped gardens have been designed by Studio Bristow in collaboration with BUF Architecture. Landscaped courtyards, native planting, and natural materials create harmony between architecture and nature, offering private gardens and outdoor living areas.

Materials & Setting

A carefully selected material palette ensures old and new elements blend seamlessly. Natural tones and textures create a strong sense of place within the Aberdeenshire landscape.

Planning & Design Support

Following two successful pre-application consultations with Aberdeenshire Council, an Outline Planning Application is in progress, supported by various technical reports. The architects can be retained by appointment and help to assist with closing planning and progressing any technical design stages, ensuring the vision is delivered to the highest standard.

Spyhill is approximately 13 miles from the centre of Aberdeen and 6 miles from Banchory. The site is on a quiet rural road to the south of the River Dee. The Durris Forest can be accessed nearby and offers miles of walking/hacking. The site is conveniently situated for the Aberdeen Bypass which improves access to Aberdeen Airport and routes south. There are local primary schools at Lairhillock, Crathes and Woodlands of Durris. Secondary education is available at the highly regarded Banchory Academy. Banchory has a good range of shops, sports centres, a swimming pool and a golf course. The Garthdee Retail Park at Bridge of Dee offers extensive retail facilities. Leisure activities available locally include fishing, shooting, skiing at Glenshee and the Lecht, equestrian activities and golf. Westhill Business Park, Prime 4 and Hill of Rubislaw are all within close commuting distance.