Self-Build Pre-fabricated Ecohouse

A timber frame, pre-fabricated ecohouse, clad in stone and timber.

Self-Build Pre-fabricated Ecohouse

Passivhaus Principles used on Self-Build Pre-fabricated Ecohouse

The project utilised Passivhaus principles to create a super-insulated, low energy home for a young family. The form and shape of the house is somewhat traditional, rural and in keeping with the local vernacular, but with large amounts of modern high performance glazing and timber cladding. This has given the client the lifestyle they aspired to – lots of light, countryside views and space for family activities. Some of the pre-fabricated, timber frame walls were clad in local ironstone, other walls in timber. The roofs are a combination of standing seam metal roofing and slate tile.

We also supplied construction details and co-ordinated building control approval between the pre-fabricated timber frame supplier (Scotframe), Velfac windows, AKS Ward structural engineers and MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) design.

We provided consultancy to an engineer on this fabulous, new, four-bedroom, self-build, pre-fabricated ecohouse project. Our understanding of local vernacular planning, combined with the contemporary aspirations of the client, helped to secure planning permission on this edge of the village plot.

Contemporary Vernacular Self-Build, Pre-fabricated Ecohouse

We provided two house designs, in hand-made model form, inspired by vernacular (traditional or historical) features, their relationships with each other and materials found in the village locally. One of these was chosen and adapted by the client and used to gain planning permission.