Plot 5 – Scottish Housing Expo – Corner House

Our interest in rural forms continues in the corner house plot with the realisation that the house needs to respond to different viewpoints and perspectives within the site. We created a three bedroom live-work unit which uses simple design to create a sustainable modern approach to living. The live-work units are positioned at either end of the plot and are connected by a ‘garden wall’ which provides privacy and protection to the courtyard garden.

A passive solution has been adopted in the approach to the design which promotes natural ventilation and heating through the house by means of large south facing windows and a double height void in the living space.

The desire to occupy the roof volume is explored here, allowing for lower eaves heights but also volumetric interest inthe section. A slow ramp is set under an overhang at the front of the property which leads to the front door.

Date

2010

Client

Cairn Housing Association

Value

£300,000

The Challenge

This is a design for a family house in Inverness created as part of the Highland Housing Fair. The ideas behind the design of this house are very much driven by the rural context, flexibility and sustainability.

The Solution

The built form of the house takes a common pitched roof and adjusts its geometry to give the house a distinct identity. A surrounding boundary wall creates a totally private garden on the sunny side of the site. Windows are deployed carefully in walls to capture important external views, western light and the sun.

The Outcome

The house is constructed from timber and bricks set on a highly insulated JJI timber frame construction. The roof is clad in EDPM (elastic damp proof membrane), which allows us to achieve the unusual geometry. Using this system shortened the time of construction and helped to meet the Expo timescales.