A multi award-winning architect’s office building and community cafe in Aberdeenshire features Kalzip aluminium roofing, one of the contemporary construction techniques used to create a low-lying roofline that harmonises visually with its surrounding landscape.
Already having earned its owner and designer Moxon Architects the most prestigious Scottish architectural awards, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2022, this enchanting new build is set in a wooded location in the Cairngorms National Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, not far from Balmoral Castle.
With a functional history, the site was originally used as a quarry and then for several decades as a tip. Taking it into its next phase, the new building has been designed to have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape, using locally sourced timber and low-energy and contemporary construction techniques. One of these being the use of the Kalzip roofing system to create a stylish yet discreet roof treatment, which has also been used, vertically, to form key walled areas including to the café entrance to dramatic effect.
Playing an important role visually on the approach to the building, the roofline is set parallel to the escarpment edge above. The mono-pitch roof to the front matches the side slopes of the quarry and features a single-storey sheltered walkway facing the centre of the site. The roof has also been used to direct rainwater into a new bog and wetland area, adding to the site’s sustainability ethos.
Sharp lines and sleek crafted finish
Locally, common roofing materials include slate and corrugated steel. Moxon Architects Associate Andrew Macpherson explains the rationale behind the aluminium roofing specification: “Visually we wanted to reflect this rural vernacular but in a refined, contemporary manner. Kalzip’s aluminium standing seam roof was our first choice. It’s a great product. Although this kind of roofing is typically used for bigger buildings, we knew it would allow us to get the best out of the building design.
Aluminium provides a much tighter finish than steel or zinc, allowing us to create a flush look with sharper edges.
“We not only worked with Kalzip closely to identify the right product from a performance perspective but also to achieve the exact shade of black and matt level of finish to suite with the landscape.”
Mounted on a timber and steel kit frame, Kalzip 65 was used in a 400mm wide, 0.9mm profile HighPerformanceCoating-System (HPC) finished to RAL 9011 with 3% gloss finish to create the roof.
“It has proved to be the perfect colour and sheen level. In fact, when it rains the matt surface actually animates the roof, reflecting the outline shape of the trees.”
Every aspect of the roof has been carefully considered. Aberdeen-based roofing specialist Fowler McKenzie supported the design team with the technical detailing to ensure the specification met all the building’s performance requirements and importantly the aesthetic detail too.
As the eave edges of the roof are low level and in eyesight it’s the subtle architectural details, which involved achieving those razor sharp ridgelines and mitred corners, are what truly makes the building sing. For example, where the standing seam roof turns down to the wall, the join has been finely welded together, soldered at a 45 degree angle and spray painted rather than boxed over.
Reflecting an emphasis on longevity, durability and energy consumption in use, the building envelope is highly insulated. This thorough approach has been echoed in the roof build-up with the addition of the Kalzip Snow guard system, as keeping snow on the roof also offers insulation benefits.
Located in the Scottish Highlands means the area is prone to snow. Whilst snow sliding from metal roofs will reduce load, it can also cause considerable damage to gutters and other roof accessories.
The snow guards were secured to the roof surface with specially designed Kalzip seam clips, removing the need for roof penetrations.
Commenting on the installation, Fowler McKenzie Managing Director Phil McKenzie said: “Early engagement with Moxon Architects was key in delivering this project, from product selection and detailing with discussion between our design team and theirs, we managed to achieve the detail and the sympathetic aesthetic which this stunning location and project deserved. Our specialist sub contract team ensured that the on site aluminium welding at the eaves gave the sleek and sharp edge required and at all times longevity and circular economy was in mind, with all components of the roof recyclable.
Given the potential of harsh winter climate in Royal Deeside, snow guards were fitted and also colour co-ordinated to minimise their visibility. It was a great project to have been involved in.”
