Tigh na Croit

Location: Gorstan, Scotland
Completion Status: Completed November 2014	Occupancy: Occupied since June 2014
Architect: HLM Architects	Consultant: Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter; MVHR Design: PAUL Heat Recovery Scotland; Certifier: Ingo Theoboldt, Passivhusbyrån
Contractor: Urquhart Homes	Client: Private
Certification: October 2014	Certifier: Ingo Theoboldt
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As one of the most northerly certified PassivHaus schemes in the UK, Tigh na Croit nestles quietly into an area of former crofting land in the hamlet of Gorstan in the Scottish Highlands.

The brief was simply to create a quality modern and low energy PassivHaus from which the clients could continue to enjoy their love of outdoor pursuits whilst living in an environmentally responsible, low impact home.

The intention was that the house should look towards the form of a traditional steading in creating an appropriate scale and form for the site. The proposed contemporary architectural solution where the scale, proportion, openings, roof pitch and mix of materials are all contextually relevant to the rural landscape. 

The house comprises generous living space, kitchen and dining room, 3 bedrooms, utility space, cinema room, sanitary, utility and storage space. The living areas face south making the most of views with a small terrace allowing the client to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The bedrooms are then orientated eastwards to capture morning sun.  Oversized windows allow internal spaces to connect visually with the landscape and take advantage of the many wonderful views from the site. 

The primary material for the house is white render with limited areas of stained timber cladding used at the dining room ‘box’ on the south elevation and small areas to the north and west elevations.

Recognisable details of highland rural forms are used in terms of chimneys, roof pitch, verges, eaves and carefully placed openings. All of this succeeds in maintaining a sense of place and supporting local identity.

 

Further Information

HLM Architects

Project factfile

Summary Card

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