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.