The Gardeners Bothy

A historic bothy inside a secluded walled garden makes for an unlikely but stunning family home; The Gardeners Bothy. Architect Iain Shillady, co-founder of Staran Architects, and his wife, Jenny, were struck by the potential of the B-listed building in Kinross. It offered the history and charm Jenny wanted as well as the new build project favoured by Iain – and both were drawn to the rambling mature gardens.

A grand design

The project, which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, involved a sensitive restoration of the bothy and retention of many original features. The couple then added an impressive single-storey extension, housing the more open plan living spaces. The original wall has been left exposed within the new hallway and is illuminated by a long feature roof light above.

Secret-fix effect

Russwood Thermopine® was selected for the dark vertical cladding, factory coated black and finished with FassadenClip® secret fixings for a sleek aesthetic. Thermopine® is a modified Scots Pine sourced in Scandinavia and treated with steam, heat and pressure for an exceptionally stable and durable wood. The dark, simple tones blend effortlessly into the leafy surroundings.

Response time to questions was exceptional and we were provided with clarity over costs and lead times at every stage, no false promises,” they said. “The product itself is beautiful and we are very happy with the quality, which we feel was very good value. We have already recommended Russwood to friends, family and clients.

Staran Architects

Parquet flow

Inside, Russwood European Oak flooring in Oat is laid in both Grande Parquet and Plank laying patterns, softening the strong lines of the dark cladding and window frames. The clients say Russwood was “fantastic, from initial chats through to the delivery.”