Smithy Houses
tiny modern eco houses on a former smithy yard
These award winning low cost eco-houses provide an alternative to the many repetitive and
inappropriate houses produced in mass across the country. Our design is intended to contribute
positively to the current and future developments of the rural setting, by integrating into the
village fabric with a truthful crafted architecture.
The design is specifically tailored to the site levels, responds to local materials and colours, and
is built on the diagonal boundary of the old workshop. The diagonal ridge roof profile allows
maximum light into the private rear gardens. Render, brick and copper are traditional quality
materials, in this case put together in a fresh way.
The use of metal details and copper roof finish help this development leave a lasting physical reminder of the old smithy. Outward facing walls are rendered in a pale purple colour similar to that found in the local stone. The internal facing walls of the dwellings are clad in timber panelling, creating a softer and more intimate feel to the walled gardens. The external finishes are clean and simple with the majority of surfaces being covered in granite setts with galvanized metal edges.
A SIPs system was chosen for its superb energy efficiency coupled with compact wall thickness. Built in 2008, these houses achieved an air tightness rating of 2.4 which was the best recorded rating in Scotland at that time.
The houses won a Saltire commendation award, were shortlisted for a roses design award, and made the top ten of the Grand Designs house of the year awards as well as featuring in numerous magazine and book publications.
Photography by Douglas Gibb Photography + ataSTUDIO
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