Big breakthrough

Patience plus

This project has required two main aptitudes: patience plus perseverance. Neither is my forte; it’s been a tough learning curve for me.

It’s one thing when you’re dealing with factors under your control. When it’s out of your control, it’s been very frustrating.

It’s why challenges that push you out of your comfort zone are good for you, I guess?

Basic beginnings

Trying to obtain planning permission for the renovation has been a torturously long, painful process. Probably because I wanted to do something a little less standard.

However, after endless delays, I’ve had some good news. My planning permission has finally been approved!

It might take some time for this to fully sink in…

This feels like a massive moment for me. It’s taken such a long time to get to this point. Planning permission is the vital first step. It confirms that the proposed design layout of the building has been agreed upon.

My vision for the Small Mission Hall is for a flexible, live-work studio space. I may also use it for exhibitions, open studios or a possible retreat space. It might be small, but it offers me plenty of options.

Regular followers might remember how I was inspired by a particular episode of Grand Designs (Season 12, Episode 7) – The Larch Clad House.

Two artists (Indi and Rebecca) were discussing the more modest nature of their dream project. What they said about it nailed things for me.

What’s the point of having a lot of something you don’t want, better to have a wee bit of something that is just right for you.

Waiting for warrants

The next stage is to get Building Warrant approval. This defines how the building design is to be actually built. To ensure that the construction details conform to current Scottish Building Regulations.

As such, it has to adhere to the current stringent building standards regarding things like thermal insulation, accessibility, etc.

London Calling…

Getting the warrants approved will take a bit longer. Again, this means yet more waiting. Rather than sit twiddling my thumbs, I had a work project to do in London to keep me occupied.

The contrasts in my surroundings and lifestyle from the Outer Hebides to London couldn’t be more stark. It’s another life, a different world. I enjoy the juxtaposition between them both.

Good to have a bit of a break. See things from an alternative perspective, get fresh inspiration and catch up with friends and family. The warrants will undoubtedly present some new challenges on my return.

Doodles and details

It’s been good to shed technological constraints and work out ideas simply. The process is as important as the solution. It’s often where you learn the most.

The broad brush strokes of the building design are sorted, now for the construction details. Central to this is how my cardboard, masking tape, scissors, piece of string and a pencil staircase design idea will actually be made in reality?

Dare to dream

We live in this amazing age of technology. AI is seen by many as the emerging answer to everything. Yet there is something that already exists that’s more powerful – human imagination.

It has been great to invest time in the design process on this project. It’s a luxury I rarely get in my normal creative world.

In many ways, this is the most exciting part of the project. It’s what I’ve most been looking forward to. Turning ideas into reality. This is the big motivator for me.

Boring to brilliant

Getting back from London lifestyle to the hobo hotel and my tent life, it was time to do some more supplier chasing up.

After various reassurances that never materialised, eventually, some good news. The Building Warrants had now also been granted. This is fantastic news!

It’s the long-awaited green light to start some real construction work on the Small Mission Hall. Hard to believe it, but building work can finally commence at last!

Now it’s just a case of trying to get it all built, how hard can that be lol!

Stairs 3.0

Time to have a catch-up with a local specialist metalwork engineering company. The J-shaped form of the staircase works, but the zig-zag angle iron construction concept creates some complex issues.

A design rethink is yet again required. Onto starircase re-design 3.0.

Spending some time with the engineers, discussing what I was after and seeing what might be possible, an idea emerged…

A kind of Ridley Scott Blade Runner meets Aliens concept. It builds on my original idea and makes it better. I guess this could end up being a matter of opinion!

Working through ideas, dealing with setbacks, the reality of manufacturing and having time to develop evolved solutions has been an essential part of the process. Ultimately, I believe it will improve the end result.

Stay tuned, big updates to come soon…