RICHARD FRASER
Winning both a RIBA and a RIAS Award in 2018, this house in Scotland was designed by Haysom Ward Miller to impact upon the rural surroundings as minimally as possible.
Hidden within a natural fold in the land, the simple stone and timber building is completely off grid and has been crafted from local materials, taking inspiration from the area’s traditional croft houses and agricultural buildings.
The property has its own water supply, sewage treatment and electrical system. Its modular design features three distinctive zones that allow sections to be isolated and left unheated when not in use, helping to keep energy costs low. A flat green roof connecting these areas will be planted with a mixture of wild flowers found on the rocks nearby.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have been used to form the envelope of this highly energy efficient home. It’s finished with charred Scottish larch for cladding, made using a variation on a traditional Japanese technique to improve durability and create a rich colour.