Case Studies and Portfolio.
Please take time to view some of the projects MTC have been involved with recently.
Dragon Restoration for Edinburgh World Heritage.
John was approached by Edinburgh World Heritage in 2011 to restore 4 wood carved dragons from Edinburgh's Wardlops Court. The dragons were over 130 yrs old and were first carved by a master craftsman and Patrick Geddes who then went on to design the renewal of the old town in Edinburgh.
Special thanks to Paul McCauley from Edinburgh Council who helped us with the project and taught us how to guild with gold leaf.
Sustainable Bespoke Urban Garden Studio, Edinburgh.
MTC built this unique contemporary garden studio for a client in Edinburgh The external cladding was made from locally sourced larch to give great natural aesthetics. We built this in 2012 and have since been back to see the client who is still delighted with their new studio.
Triple wardrobe, Aberdour.
MTC designed and built this traditional triple wardrobe for a client in the conservation area of Aberdour. Designed to the clients specification, MTC also applied our knowledge of architectural proportions and scaling in order to achieve the best in aesthetics. We used a high quality off-white egg shell paint in order to blend in with the existing finishes.
Transylvania, Romania.
John McRitchie gains certification from INTBAU for attending a 2 week masterclass on traditional building in Archita, Transylvania, Romania.
Traditional Douglas Fir
Park Shelter, Ellon.
MTC worked with a number of contractors on this build and the whole project was run by The Prince's Foundation for Building Community. For the main timber structure MTC worked with Alba Green Oak Frames whilst the stone work was carried out by Laing Traditional Masonry.
Grade A listed handrail restoration.
Investigation of the traditional materials and craftmanship had to be the first task for this job. We found that over 100 years ago the timber was native to America which was found to be Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). The grain on the top pieces were applied running horizontally to the run of the stair in order to achieve a beautiful natural grain pattern underneath the finishing layers. To enhance the grain and to remain honest to the original character, we used a medium gold shellac build with a french polish finish. We also used red mahogany oil stain to deepen the colour so as to replicate the effect of the timber having oxidised over the years.
George Watsons College, Edinburgh.
Clock tower restoration .
The most intricate job MTC have taken on to date. The complexity of this job pushed our abilities almost to the limit but we enjoyed every minute of the job and need I say more than we are very proud of ourselves. We have replicated a timber masterpiece which should last a century or more. All evidence of the building history and craftsmanship remains for our future generations to admire.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with John, he is genuinely concerned about the quality of workmanship he produces and a perfect example of how hard work can get you great results.”
Jack MacGregor, Alba Green Oak Frames.