Scottish House: A Review Of Recent Experience In Building Individual And Small Groups Of Houses With A View To Sustainability, The Use Of Traditional And New Materials, And Innovative Design

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SCOTTISH HOUSE: A REVIEW OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING INDIVIDUAL AND SMALL GROUPS OF HOUSES WITH A VIEW TO SUSTAINABILITY, THE USE OF TRADITIONAL AND NEW MATERIALS, AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN

photoCASE STUDY 25 -

Nettleton House, Killin
Gaia Architects

Summary of Innovative Design Features

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Key Features of the Design which Contribute to Sustainability

  • All Timber house
  • Untreated Scottish timber (douglas fir)
  • Breathing wall and roof.
  • Passive solar
  • Twin sash double glazing windows (non gas filled).
  • Wood burning heating.
  • Low emission paints

Materials, Traditional and New, which were selected for their Health/Environmental Impact

  • Timber structurally and externally.
  • Scottish timber.
  • Warmcell insulation
  • Low emission paints.

Problems Encountered obtaining Planning and Building Control Approval

  • No problem with timber house which replaced a caravan and was considered a holiday home.
  • Another discussion over breathing wall construction with building warrant.
  • Assessment by building control that a chain rain water pipe was unacceptable in Scottish climate (driving rain).

Would Regulations/Procedures/ Guidance Benefit from being changed in any way?

  • Find the difference in interpretation between authorities (and by individuals) confusing. Would like to see more consistency, and a review of Scottish executive non-intervention policy in devolving decision making to individual authorities - (and even individuals in authorities).

Page updated: Monday, June 05, 2006