Unique Energy-Efficient Self Build in Cairngorms National Park

The ambition of the project resulted in a two-year-long planning process, involving local council committee meetings. “The justification I put forward for the design was that the previous building was a timber hut, and there are a few in the area, so it wasn’t a one-off with great architectural merit. Therefore, replacing it should not be seen as contentious,” explains Gokay.

Gokay also ensured the design and build of the new house would have good environmental credentials and minimal impact on the ground, using durable materials sympathetic to its setting. “This could be argued more so for our design than for the white rendered, blockwork and slate roofed houses that have been seen as traditional by planners in the past,” he says. Eventually, the proposal was passed, as it was felt that Deveci’s plan for a woodland home was an exemplar of well designed, ecologically responsible and sustainable architecture.

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The oak flooring is from Russwood and is finished with Osmo oil for a satin finish

The home’s single-storey design was dictated by its woodland setting. It features two wings each with curved roof structures. One volume contains the open-plan living, kitchen and dining area which is then connected via a hallway to the second volume, where the three bedrooms, ensuite and main bathroom are situated.

The open-plan living space enjoys uninterrupted views from one end to the other, with large windows framing the surrounding woodland. The curved roof extends out to canopy the three terraces which are shaded by a lime tree, facilitating indoor-outdoor living spaces and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Constructing the Brand-New Home

Susan and John’s home consists of a laminated post and beam and timber framed wall kit, manufactured offsite. The curved roof is made from patinated copper, which – although expensive – is long lasting and looks good as it ages. It also reflects that of the other buildings in the agricultural landscape, but despite this, building it was no easy feat.

“At the time, we couldn’t get a specialist in Scotland to make the roof curve. So, I found a Norwegian engineer who designed the 12mm sections of larch glued together to get the tight curve,” says Gokay. “The whole structural frame came from a manufacturer in Holland, who worked closely with the Norwegian timber engineer.”

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Susan and John took a simple approach to landscaping the garden. They used timber edging to separate the gravel from the bark, planting native trees and evergreen shrubs

The structure had to be lifted off the ground and placed on concrete pad foundations in order to protect the trees and minimise the impact on the woodland. The circular pad foundations were formed using recycled 450mm diameter plastic culvert pipes which are filled with concrete mix, after which the pipes were carefully removed.

Stainless steel T-shaped brackets were bolted on and levelled carefully to accommodate the pre-drilled laminated timber columns. The measurements of every column and beam’s interlocking junctions had to be absolutely accurate for assembly, so ensuring these were within tolerance was critical to this process.

Once the laminated post and beam structure was assembled, large insulated timber panels were installed between the columns with extra insulation added on site to meet Passivhaus energy standards.  The house can’t rely on passive solar gain due to the shade cast by the vast number of surrounding trees, but the high levels of insulation, triple glazing and underfloor heating (powered by an electric boiler) laid within a 50mm concrete screed in the suspended timber floor result in a super energy-efficient build that keeps warm and cosy.

Resourceful Interior Design

Susan and John sold their house in Grantown-on-Spey to finance the build, and moved into temporary rented accommodation in two different houses – one being a neighbouring holiday cottage – during construction. “The work took a while as it was done over the course of two bad winters, which made access to the site difficult and held up the process,” says Susan.

While staying in the nearby holiday home, Susan took on a lot of the completion details such as painting and tiling herself, taking a creative, resourceful approach to the interior decor. “A lot of what I did was cheap and cheerful. Our bed is just four pallets and a mattress,” she says.

The grey Rais Pillar woodburning stove sits on a stainless-steel plate, dividing the living and dining areas

During the build, two sheets of glass were delivered that were the wrong size, but Susan made sure they didn’t go to waste. “I designed a dining table and benches, which the joiner put together, and used the glass for the tabletop,” she says.

Susan also designed the bar area, using off-the-shelf elements such as the glass shelves, mirrors and knock down units at the back. The seating area of the bar is curved at the edge to tie in with the design of the kitchen units. “I’m a very keen cook and I do like entertaining, so that’s why I chose an open-plan kitchen,” says Susan. “The units are built around a gas burning hob and electric oven and the wall racks were made by a friendly local blacksmith.”

Gokay also designed some bespoke elements of the interiors. “All the doors have eye-level portholes to be able to see through them beyond to the rest of the house. We were also generous with the entrance, which is a double glass door that opens up the whole living room,” says Gokay. They also opted for a clean finish throughout, keeping the skirting boards flush with interior walls and door facing and frames to a minimum.

Despite moving in a few years ago, Susan and John admit that the thrill of living in their self build home is still fresh for them. “When I walk the dogs and come out of the trees on my way home, I look up at the house and still think it looks just amazing,” says Susan.  “And when the odd cyclist or walker comes past, you can just see from the expression on their faces how impressive they think the house is.”

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The black satin finish quartz worktops curve at the corners to match the curved glossy white kitchen units from Magnet. The same worktop is used for the island, complete with IKEA bar stools

Architect Gokay is of the same opinion. “It’s a house that appeals to the senses. There is a richness to the main spaces and, psychologically, the house seems bigger than it actually is,” he says. “The home has a unique ambience – it feels as though you’re always on holiday when you’re there. I don’t think you could go back to living in a standard house after having this one!”