As retirement beckoned, Margaret Laird and Roger Gibbins embarked on a project to self build a sustainable home on the fringes of a golf course

WORDS JENNY MCBAIN PHOTOS KEITH HUNTER

Margaret Laird and Roger Gibbins had spent many happy years in their home in the West Highlands, but as their work commitments eased off and they were able to spend more time outdoors, the couple made the decision to relocate to Morayshire, which is an area to the north of Inverness on Scotland’s east coast.

The idea of building their own home was one that had evolved over time. “We have a good friend who built his place in Ireland and that was a source of inspiration for us”, says Roger. “Also, I attended a rural building conference and began to get interested in modern, ecological construction methods.” As for their choice of location, “the Morayshire climate and soil conditions were ideal for Roger, who is a keen organic gardener”, says Margaret.

It was on a drive around their preferred area that the couple came across a particularly stunning new property. The signpost outside indicated it had been done by a design and build practice called Makar, which is headed up by architect Neil Sutherland. “We arranged a meeting with Makar architect Scott Reid and it was clear from the outset that they were right for our project”, says Roger.

Green & pleasant

Securing a suitable site proved quite straightforward because the owner of a private golf course was selling off a series of plots within a woodland area. The land is surrounded by greenery and farmland and is in close proximity to a beach. It is also just a few miles away from Findhorn, an ecological community with integrated arts venues and shops, known for its sustainable housebuilding.