architectural design

3D Rendering

ACJ use the latest 3D modelling software to create photorealistic models of your new build home, extension or garden space. Make informed decisions.

See for yourself

Imagine being able to see not just the paper plans for your project, not just a 3D computer model of your build, but a photorealistic visualisation of your new home, extension or garden space, with your choice of finish, set in your desired location, ready for you to view from any angle.

Powerful architectural design technology

ACJ Design uses the latest computer modeling systems to create your vision. From the initial 2D plans we create 3D wireframe models, from there we render the projection, adding colour and textures to create a realistic 3D model. We can even superimpose that model into an image of your plot, creating a powerful visualisation of your final result, meaning you can make informed choices about design features and finishes in advance of construction.

Inside and out

3D renders don’t just help you decide the exterior finish options for your project. We can also provide interior renders that will help you decide on layouts. So you won’t sweat the small stuff once it’s too late, you get your sockets where you need them and make sure there’s a place for everything before anything gets placed.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 3D RENDER

When you contact us for a quotation, from a garden space to a complete house, present your voucher to receive a 3D computer modelled visualisation of your project.

Your dream build is closer than you think. See for yourself.

SER Engineering

Building a new home, or extending your property? ACJ offers full structural engineering services, to ensure your build is safe, while still within budget.

What is SER and why would I need it?

In Scotland, all new build homes, and certain other projects too, require that appropriate structural calculations are carried out to ensure the safety of the build. These calculations form the basis for a Structural Engineers Registration (SER) design certificate and are submitted with your building warrant application.

How can ACJ help?

ACJ Design offers a full range of structural and engineering services, from timber frame calculations, steel calculations, site investigations and SER engineers. We can provide these services to new builds and existing developments, ensuring that all your information, calculations and plans are correct and that your design certificate is appropriate for your project prior to warrant submission.

Services

We’ll carry out the following services and provide the relevant information that can be used at warrant application stage, if required.
– Timber frame structural designs
– Timber frame engineering and calculations
– Site investigation reports
– SER engineering for extensions and new builds
– Site visits/investigation to check existing property
– Foundation layouts, including specifications
– Floor plans & specifications
– All key structural timber frame junctions
– Sections with all specifications and connections shown
– Timber frame design when required
– Floor joist layouts, specifications and calculations
– Roof truss layouts, specifications and calculations

Safety, standards and your budget

We don’t cut corners, but we know you have a budget to keep to. We always advise on cost-effective options while still remaining well within national and European safety standards. All our structural calculations are in accordance with the relevant BSI standards and we are fully insured.

Building Warrant Drawings

Building warrant applications made simple. Get it right first time with precision drawings from the expert architectural services team at ACJ Design.

Why do I need a building warrant?

In addition to planning permission, you will also need to apply for a building warrant from the local council before you can start building work on your home. While planning permission largely focuses on how the external structure of your home will look, to get a building warrant you will need to show that the design of your home (both inside and outside) will meet all the requirements of the latest domestic building regulations.

ACJ Design Simplifies Building Warrant Applications

The architectural services team within ACJ Design are experienced in warrant applications. We provide accurate drawings of your plans and we can act as your agent and make the application on your behalf, smoothing the process and cutting out the jargon.

Professional, Precise and Thorough

ACJ Design not only designs your property, we specify and manufacture the timber frame systems that will be used in its construction. This means we’re uniquely qualified to produce and maintain a coherent set of accurate, version controlled drawings for every step of the process.

Once planning approval is received ACJ Design can prepare and submit the application for building warrant approval based on detailed drawings agreed with yourself in advance of the submission. We’ll then monitor and progress the application, and respond to any technical objections raised on your behalf, while keeping you fully informed at all times.

structurally sound

Typically, an architect wouldn’t produce full structural designs until after warrant approval. ACJ Design does things differently. We believe that proper planning is critical to a successful outcome. No-one wants to be faced with delays and costs caused by ill-fitting connections and services clashes halfway through their build, so we have processes in place to be sure we get it right first time.

All structural designs for site, construction and production are produced in conjunction with the architectural drawings used in warrant applications. You can be confident that the services, details and features specified therein have been precisely planned and will work first time in situ.

Timber Frame Design & Supply

Beautifully designed timber frame kit homes from ACJ. Warm, cost-effective and simple to construct, the smart way to make your dream home a reality.

We design timber frames

ACJ are specialists in closed panel construction. We design and supply energy efficient timber frames. These frames form the building blocks for the design of new build homes, extensions, garden spaces and commercial constructions.

Our in-house architectural services team, ACJ Design, works with architects, homebuilders and individual clients to select and design the specific products for any project.

We manufacture timber frames

All our timber frames and closed panels are manufactured right here in our Elgin premises, providing a cost-effective and flexible service.

Our factory is dedicated to the production of timber frame panels. We manufacture closed panel walls, floor cassettes and roof cassettes using a variety of timber frame systems.

We custom design to your specifications

Our designers use cutting edge analysis and modelling techniques to design the connections and fittings that ensure our panels can integrate seamlessly into your design.

And because we design all our homes in-house, and can customise any design to your requirement, you won’t be faced with expensive licensing fees, which can happen when the design copyright is owned by a third party.

Energy-efficiency designed in

Our unique timber frame wall systems are each rated for superior energy efficiency, keeping your home warm, and your energy bills low.

We’re justifiably proud that the ACJ Design team developed the industry leading Therm-U-Wall system, a breakthrough in energy-efficient wall systems, suitable for use in the demanding specifications of passive house builds.

Talk to our designers about the right solution for your needs and your budget.

Delivery across Moray, the Highlands, Scotland and beyond

Frames and kits can be delivered throughout Scotland and the UK, and we ship globally to customers all over the world.

We operate our own haulage, so we have the flexibility to arrange delivery at a date and time that suits you.

To find out more about our design and production facilities and how ACJ can work with you, contact us now 01343 559327.

Architectural Works

ACJ’s in-house architectural services design team are fully qualified to design and plan your complete build, saving you time and money.

Do you need an architect?

ACJ Group has an in-house design services team, fully qualified to design every aspect of your new build property, extension or renovation.

Working closely with the other services within the ACJ group, ACJ Design is uniquely placed to select the right materials and construction methods that will ensure your home build is flawless.

Advanced 3D modelling eliminates errors

When you work with ACJ Design, our architectural technicians design and plan every aspect of your build. We precision model each project on the latest 3D computer systems, eliminating waste and errors upfront, enhancing efficient production and construction, and allowing you to see an accurate view of your project, so you can make informed decisions about your build, with no surprises.

Save time and money with one point of contact

When one team of professionals takes responsibility for all aspects of your design, from the planning to production to construction, you can be confident of a set of consistent coherent plans throughout the process.

Having a single source of plans, rather than working with an independent architect, cuts out delays in planning and warrant applications and saves you time and money.

Energy-efficiency designed in

All ACJ homes are designed with energy-efficiency built in, so heating your home is cost effective and hassle free. Our design team are uniquely placed to advise you on the ACJ wall system to suit your needs and budget, we carry out energy performance calculations based on your selected materials and advise you where and how to make savings.

We are justifiably proud that ACJ Design team developed the industry leading Therm-U-Wall system, a breakthrough in energy-efficient wall systems, suitable for use in the demanding specifications of passive house builds.

Industry leaders in PassivHaus technology

ACJ Design designers have been behind some of the most prestigious designs.
We designed wall systems that were certified and used within the most innovative energy-efficient builds of their kind within Scotland and the UK, including;

– The First Fully Certified PassivHaus in Scotland.
– The First Fully Certified Affordable housing PassivHaus in Scotland.
– The First Fully Certified terrace of passive houses in Scotland.
– The First Fully Certified PassivHaus housing development in the UK