Greener by design

Architectural designer Martin McCrae and architect Mhairi Grant took the meaning of ‘self-build’ literally and assumed the design, construction and interior fit-out of their contemporary Passivhaus on a DIY basis

- Amy Reeves

THE BUILD

BEFORE The narrow build plot offered views across the Stirling countryside.

DURING A vapour control layer was added to the flat roof, then two layers of insulation and a final waterproof capping sheet.

DURING Some of the ducting for the MVHR system was left ‘on show’, requiring a rigid supply.

DURING As the house is almost a cube, Mhairi chose to turn the larch cladding on a 30º angle. The process took four years to complete.

DURING Wood fibre insulation was used between the studs, a high-density breathable chipboard layer fixed to the frame and a layer of Gutex Multitherm insulation added.

DURING A gravel layer is installed ready for the foundation system that together will form the permeable base layer.

DURING After contractors dug the foundations, Martin, Mhairi and some friends spent a long weekend installing the Isoquick formwork and insulated raft foundation.

DURING Martin and Mhairi chose a sedum roof due to its good biodiversity credentials. The roof’s parapet also hides the solar PV and thermal panels from view on the ground.

DURING Some bespoke elements on the kitchen island meant the worktop was not installed for some time — in the meantime Martin and Mhairi used a plywood top.