From Canterbury to Aberdeenshire - A New Chapter

Approx. 2 min read

The journey of a building, from its natural origins to its final form, is a story we're passionate about telling at OSOTIMBER and I'm eager to join Jordan and the team to help share the message and inspire people to create buildings that will be cherished and admired for years to come. We're on a mission to showcase the beauty and sheer possibility that timber offers, sharing stories of past, present, and future projects that are shaping our built environment for the better.

With our HQ in Canterbury, OSOTIMBER, has established a reputation for designing and helping to create exceptional timber frame projects across the south of England and beyond. But a new chapter is unfolding! Having settled into our home in Aboyne last year, we've loved reconnecting with our Scottish roots and Highland neighbours. We're now eager to deepen our connection with Aberdeenshire, exploring how our expertise can create place-based buildings that promote and protect Scotland's magnificent nature and heritage, and bring our passion for timber to this region.

The past six months have been a whirlwind of exploration and connection, immersing ourselves in the beautiful surroundings. We've been touring the area, meeting with local architects and timber businesses, and visiting local timber mills to tap into the abundant resources right here on our doorstep. We're committed to creating buildings that harmonise with the breath taking landscape that surrounds us, buildings that tell a story. 

Taking part in the magnificent SnowRunning event at Glenshee - a night run, bagging 3 Munros at the same time!

We're deeply passionate about the natural world and the incredible gifts it provides for our built environment. From the forests surrounding us, beautiful timber like Douglas Fir and Larch provide us with a means to bring our post and beam designs to life. We're dedicated to crafting buildings that stand the test of time, enrich the environment, and provide a profound connection to nature. We're privileged to have established strong relationships with partners, working alongside local woodland stewards, allowing the client to hand-select trees for our projects, weaving a personal and meaningful story into each build. Buildings with a purpose, that positively impact the inhabitant, and the passer by, buildings that make us feel good inside and out!

Stacked Scottish larch cladding ready to be sent out.

Transitioning from imported European oak to embracing locally sourced timber has opened new opportunities for us. Now, we have the opportunity to work with timber that is harvested just within a 60-mile radius. This 'from forest to front door' approach means we can easily trace the origins of every piece, adding a special, almost romantic, touch to each project.

Sourcing locally allows us to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and natural beauty of British-grown timber. Each piece tells the story of its origin, giving our custom builds a unique character. There's a real feel-good factor in supporting our local forests; it strengthens community ties and simplifies the provenance of our materials. By choosing timber grown in Britain, we're celebrating the natural resources right on our doorstep and adding a tangible, local connection to our work.

We're particularly excited about our recent collaborations with Highland Heritage Woodworks. We've been working on a stunning cabin project in Royal Deeside that promises a high-impact guest experience with a minimal environmental footprint. 

This project will be another showcase of the beauty and benefits of utilising timber from local woodlands, ensuring each element of the exposed post and beam frame, alongside the enclosed douglas fir framing, contributes to a deep sense of place and connection to the land.

This project is just a glimpse of what's to come. We're eager to share more of our upcoming projects, from cosy timber cabins to bespoke self-build homes, as we continue to explore the endless possibilities of timber frame construction here in Scotland and beyond.

Are you in the Aberdeenshire region and dreaming of your own unique retreat, a building imbued with stories and character? Whether you're expanding an existing project or just starting out, we're here to help bring your vision to life. We're passionate about creating place-based buildings that celebrate and protect Scotland's magnificent nature and heritage.

If you're interested in collaborating or simply want to learn more, please don't hesitate to get in touch! We'd love to hear from you and discuss how we can work together to create something truly special.

Written by Natalie Ross

“Wood for the Trees” - Time spent in nature provides us with a bigger picture view on what’s important!