Charlestown of Aberlour
Contemporary rural home in Charlestown of Aberlour, Moray
Set within the rural landscape of Charlestown of Aberlour in Moray, this bespoke new-build home combines traditional natural materials with contemporary architectural design to create a distinctive family home that sits comfortably within its surroundings.
The design brings together a series of interconnected building forms, each with its own character and roofline. A striking mono-pitched roof defines the main open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, creating a generous vaulted interior with exposed timber beams and expansive glazing that opens the home towards the surrounding countryside.
At the heart of the living space, a substantial natural stone fireplace provides a focal point, introducing warmth and texture while complementing the exposed timber structure. Large windows and glazed doors frame views across the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interior throughout the day.
A glazed connecting corridor links the principal living spaces, with carefully positioned rooflights bringing daylight deep into the heart of the building. This creates a light-filled transition between the different areas of the home and reinforces the connection between inside and out.
Externally, a carefully considered palette of natural stone, timber cladding and standing seam metal roofing balances traditional rural character with clean contemporary detailing. The contrasting materials and varied roof forms help break down the overall scale of the building, creating a home that feels both substantial and sympathetic to its setting.
The house was constructed using a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS), supplied by JML SIPS, providing a highly insulated building envelope and an efficient method of construction.
Nicholas Lindsay Architects was responsible for the architectural design and securing Planning Permission and Building Warrant approval, with the client independently managing the construction phase.
The completed home demonstrates how contemporary design, natural materials and thoughtful spatial planning can come together to create a distinctive rural home.
