Frisealach, a Scottish timber framed eco home

West coast contemporary Scottish vernacular

The building’s design captures as much light as possible and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  A cantilevered glazed corner gives incredible views out to the sea.  Oak feather edge board was used to clad the building, silvering with age and blending with the landscape.  The house is finished with a stainless steel roof that is both practical and beautiful.  The overall effect is that of the house floating above the water.

Due to its position on the rocks, this two-storey, four-bedroom house is long and thin, fitting into a space 8m wide by 20m long. Double-height, floor to ceiling windows in the open plan living space flood the house with light and draw in the views.  The internal walls are lime washed pine and the floors oak.  A mezzanine space above the living area provides a ship decks study.  The external timber decked wraps around the house to form a balcony style terrace.

Simple and effective eco design

The building is designed to be carbon neutral.  The orientation of the house allows the west light to all the bedrooms, maximising the solar gain, while cotton and hemp insulation is used.  A woodburning stove heats the water and provides underfloor heating, and a microturbine generates electricity.

Interested in building your own timber framed home?  View Carpenter Oak’s Orchard House or contact us to chat through your ideas.

Still in the early stages and considering an energy efficient house?  View our helpful blog post 10 things to know when building an eco home.

Want to know more about this project?  It features in The Guardian and on the architect’s website Helen Lucas Architects

All photos courtesy of Nigel Rigden