Hands-on

Topping-out at Taigh-Bàta

Image, Baillie Baillie.
Words, Colin Baillie.

Hands-on

Topping out is an exciting point in a build. Particularly so in the case of our own self-build project, because we’ve put a lot of thought, time, and care into the roof structure. We worked directly with a sawmill in Speyside to source locally grown Douglas fir, which was then machined to our specification. Because the structure will be exposed internally, we were able to see the finished product as soon as it was fitted. It felt like a massive leap forward.

Building our own project has given us an opportunity to get a lot closer to the hands-on side of making a building. Working with an exposed timber structure means there is no margin for error on site. Details need to be worked out, not just in terms of aesthetics, but in terms of logistics and sequence of construction. Communication and collaboration become really important – explaining intentions clearly, and also listening to those with a wealth of hands-on experience.

To make crafted buildings using locally sourced materials, we feel we need to be embedded in the process of making – more ‘hands-on’ than is customary in our industry. That means working directly with suppliers and makers, and collaborating with trusted and likeminded tradespeople.

Our own self-build project, Taigh-bata, is letting us develop our process as a studio, and giving us the confidence to question the status-quo. We think making buildings with local, and natural materials should be the norm, not the exception.