readers’ homes

Adam and Raema Lyon have chosen three cladding materials for their contemporary timberframe home on a sensitive site in Orkney, designed with minimal impact to the site and environment

WORDS LOUISE PARKIN

PHOTOS KAREN ALLEN/LYONS FAMILY

White render, black weatherboarding and Siberian larch cladding have been used on this energy efficient timber frame home, protecting it from the elements and giving it a smart appearance

Triple-glazed windows from Rationel provide wide banks of glazing with slim frames, contributing to high levels of energy efficiency

For Adam and Raema Lyon, it was falling in love with a particular plot of land that triggered them to pursue the self build dream. The couple, who both come from Orkney, were keen to provide more space for their growing family - and had discussed the idea of creating a highly energy efficient contemporary home in a coastal location on the archipelago’s largest island. But they had their heart set on a specific location, and it was only through an intrepid attitude and a slice of luck that they discovered their chosen spot was both available and suitable to build on. Located four miles from their previous home, the 2.2-acre plot was not even on the market, but the amazing views over Stromness and the Bay of Ireland drew the Lyons, who sought out and approached the owner via the Land Registr y. “I’ve wanted to build my own house, all my life, but if it wasn’t for this site, with this view, I am not sure we ever would have actually done it,” says Raema, who works for the local government in project management and improvement.

In an incredible twist of fate, the land was just about to be brought to market. “ We were told that the plot was going to be put up for sale and so we just had to wait,” says Adam, who is a marine engineer. “ We were checking Rightmove almost hourly, and eventually were contacted by the estate agent who told us the site would be for sale by the end of the week.”

In Scotland offers are invited up until the closing date, and any interested party can submit an offer; the same process as sealed bids. The owner of the land or house can then choose whose bid is accepted. “It was so difficult to decide what amount to offer, knowing that even if ours was the highest bid, it might not win. It was an extremely ner ve-wracking experience,” says Raema. The Lyon’s bid was ultimately successful, despite it being conditional on gaining planning permission to build.