Pat & Jackie appointed Locate in late 2007 to design a very low energy house for them on old railway sidings near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. The couple will live and work at the house which has also been designed to include a ‘Granny Flat’ for Pat’s parents. Their aim is to be self sufficient in fruit vegetables and eggs so there is a dedicated food storage area and the garden is an important aspect of the project.

The 1 ¾ storey house has been conceived as an extremely well insulated and airtight timber frame building with breathing construction and sufficient thermal and moisture mass included. The residual heat load will be met by heat recovery ventilation while a wood stove will act as back-up and solar panels provide much of the hot water. The walls will be timber clad and the roof slated as required by the local Planning Department.

Living areas are arranged to the South and a first floor lounge with large South-facing glazed area provides both ‘wow factor’ and large amounts of natural light, while the North side contains ancillary spaces and has few and small windows.

The scheme has been submitted for Planning and it is hoped to gain Building Warrant approval in time to start on site in 2008.

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