The first of the green Douglas fir frames arrived from Carpenter Oak and Woodland’s sawmill at Kirriemuir last month. The huge pre-cut and drilled sections are now being assembled at speed and the structure is developing a striking presence at the south end of Loch Lomond.

Scotland’s deputy minister for environment and rural development Sarah Boyack described the timber frame as “an impressive achievement” during her visit to the site.

The building’s plan curves to follow the shape of the roundabout it fronts onto, a feature used to advantage by engineers Buro Happold to give structural stability to the frames.

To enable the 78m-long frame to remain visible internally, a series of deep I-joists sit on laminated timber beams, allowing services to be run in the voids.

Due for completion in December this year, the £9m building’s exterior will be clad in natural slate, glass and European larch. Page & Park is leading the design team.

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