the project

Our client wanted a traditional style four-bedroom home that fits seamlessly within this attractive rural commuter village, north of Glasgow. The look reflects the local vernacular of other large houses dotted through the village. She also wanted to be able to appreciate more of the fantastic views to the west that this location offers, south-west of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The existing mid-century house on the site suffers from poor energy efficiency and unsustainable materials, and on-balance offers few beneficial qualities, being difficult to upgrade successfully.

In contrast, the plan for the replacement is set to be a Nearly Zero Energy Building, on the EU-approved scale, meaning it will have a very high energy performance. The low quantities of energy required will be almost totally from renewable sources, including on-site technologies.

The new home will benefit from a flowing plan, that allows for a much more successful relationship between owner and home, offering a far better quality of life and wellbeing for all inhabitants

How we worked

To achieve the high standard of energy efficiency with low carbon emissions required in this newbuild, the house will take advantage of green technologies that include an air source heat pump, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and solar panels, as well as passive solar gain through careful orientation.

Use of timber, stone and slate roofing, take us directly to the need for sustainable and attractive natural materials, that are often (but not always!) the signature of a good-quality project. The construction methods, too, will utilise fine detailing and design, and long-lasting high-grade materials.

While impressive and robust, the design doesn’t grasp for attention. The traditional style has at its centre a one-and-a-half storey steep slate-roofed core, instantly recognisable as a Scottish form with a central entrance and dormer windows on the upper floor. To each side are single-story non-symmetrical wings, giving a more organic appearance. These wings cleverly follow the contours of the site. The rear allows a little more dynamism, with more expansive glazing to take in the views, let in natural light, and allow for a more integrated inside-outside experience.

The house is set to contain an open-plan spacious kitchen, dining and living space, occupying the whole of one wing, and featuring exposed beams. A study, boot room, pantry, utility area and garage facilities will all also sit at ground-floor level, as well as one en-suite guest bedroom. The remaining three bedrooms (one with en-suite) and a family bathroom sit at first-floor level. The principle living accommodation is to the north of the building to benefit from the fantastic views to the west.

Success of the project

This project is currently at planning stage. We envisage a highly successful home, offering an improved way of life for the owner, including excellent levels of energy efficiency, and bright, flowing accommodation, with beautiful views to the countryside beyond.