Quarterly Q&A: John Hannay
Our series of Q&A interviews is designed to recognise the people behind the Drumearn House renovation. At this crucial stage of the build, we caught up with local architect John Hannay.
How did you get involved with the Drumearn House project?
Having done previous work for the client, I was invited to a general chit-chat with Mattias to discuss Drumearn and the plans for it. Thanks to my experience of similar work, I was invited on as the architect.
What is the architect’s role at this stage of the project?
The architect has a very important role at this stage, measuring the building to create a record of the built fabric as well as thorough research into the history, existing and potential defects, and operations of the building – all to create a basis from which an informed and meaningful restoration can be developed. This has also led to essential repairs being carried out to stabilise the building and halt any persisting dry rot.
What are some of the most notable features of the building, and what can you tell us about them?
In the 1860s, a few years after the house was originally built, Drumearn House was drastically remodelled in a flamboyant Gothic style, a change which has been recorded in various paintings and drawings from the time. The most prominent features in this style are the witch’s hat turret and bay windows, along with the detailed cornicing, of which no two sets are the same in any room.
These details stand out because they are unusual, and to have so many of them in one building is especially unusual for its time. Personally speaking, I know minimalism has its place, but I believe decorative architecture is there to be enjoyed!
What are the challenges of working with a listed building like Drumearn House and what do you have to be mindful of?
As every single part of the house is listed, this has meant an increased level of careful detailing, including recording and removing features to save them for reinstatement. A key part of this restoration is constructing essential yet minimally intrusive rot repairs to maintain the original fabric and style of the house.
How important is it to bring in specialist trades and appreciate traditional craft and materials?
The project is a team effort, specialists are brought in because of their known experience and the level of skill in their workmanship, which is important for maintaining and reinstating the traditional fabric of the house.
What part of the Drumearn House build are you most excited about?
Seeing the interiors come back from the dilapidated state that they are currently in, and watching the building be developed and reinstated as a usable house again.
