On the 20th of September 1988, the Loch of Aboyne was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its diversity of pondweeds. The SSSI designation restricted the extent of groundwork allowable to ensure any development did not result in a negative impact on the biodiversity of the Loch.

An alternative foundation design was developed around the site constraint. A series of twelve, six-meter-long, concrete piles were driven deep into the ground to form the base for a bespoke galvanised steel frame. Set a few inches above the ground, the steel frame cantilevers from the shoreline a meter above the surface of the water.

A traditional timber frame structure was built atop the steel frame, providing a large contemporary property featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area with a separate utility room and three ample-sized bedrooms.