MCK Construction: Overall MBA 2019 winners

Once a focal point in the small Scottish fishing village of Usan, just south of Montrose, this 100 year-old coastguard tower and accompanying building had fallen into disrepair by the time it was purchased by a local fisherman hoping to rescue the relic and integrate it into his family home.

Naturally given the structure’s heritage MCK Construction had to consult regularly with the planning department throughout the project to ensure as much of its original character was preserved as possible. What’s more, a lack of access roads meant the site was only accessible through an adjacent field, complicating an already challenging task that was overcome through the goodwill of the neighbouring farmer.

Aiming to exceed the already stringent Scottish building standards concerning U-values and energy performance, MCK Construction used zinc cladding on the first-floor bedroom’s bay window to preserve the stunning panoramic views of the Scottish coastline and the North Sea. The kitchen’s dark grey zinc bay window offers a similar spectacle, with double glazing used throughout to ensure maximum solar gain for the project.

With seafront wear and tear having a pronounced effect on the original Welsh slated roof and lead finial, MCK Construction endeavoured to repoint the stonework and give the area a complete makeover. At the rear of the property a set of grand stone steps – once the entrance to the original lookout post – now leads directly to the master bedroom; adding a novel touch to this exquisite build. The garden also features a traditional drystane dyke topped with capping stones, offering an excellent opportunity for outdoor entertaining during those balmy sunny days of summer.

The extension features a timber frame structure with large gable glazing, maintenance-free cement cladding, a zinc standing-seam roof covering and rainwater goods, with a distinct joint between the new roof covering and the old stonework beneath clearly marking where new joins old in this perfect combination of traditional and modern.

The property is a truly spectacular build that demonstrates the tremendous skill and efficiency exercised by this builder. Contending with a highly unorthodox build in a challenging environment, MCK Construction have delivered a one-of-a-kind build to an exceptional standard; befitting the Master Builder badge of quality.

Excerpt from FMB Press release on 25 October 2019:

Montrose building firm MCK Construction Ltd, from Angus, has been presented with a new Isuzu D-Max Utah Pick Up at a ceremony on site after beating hundreds of builders across the UK to scoop the overall Master Builder Award in the prestigious Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) 2019 Master Builder Awards, sponsored by Isuzu. The Master Builder Awards celebrate the nation’s best builders and MCK Construction were crowned the overall winner for its work to restore an old coastguard lookout tower in the small fishing village of Usan.