The house makes use of classic solar passive design strategies like clerestory windows on the north side, and principle rooms on the south side — both arranged to take advantage of the sunlight and shading in order to minimize overheating. The entrance is situated on the northeast side and located under a cover to shelter it from the prevailing winds. Ancillary services, like the kitchen, utility room and a bathroom are located to the rear the structure. The roof line matches the angle of the adjacent slope, and the whole building tucks neatly into the hillside.
Constructed of lightweight, but highly insulated steel and timber frame construction, The Houl is insulated to Passiv Haus standards to minimize heat loss. Gaps are also sealed tightly to eliminate infiltration. The exterior is clad in cedar weatherboarding, which has weathered to a natural silver grey color, and the roof is finished in pre-weathered grey standing seam zinc. All of the windows and doors are triple-paned. An air source heat pump works in combination with a heat recovery ventilation system that heats and cools the home efficiently. Meanwhile an on-site wind turbine generates all the power needed.
The Houl by Simon Winstanley Architects has been added to the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) shortlist of seventeen buildings for the 2011 RIBA Awards in Scotland.
Via ArchDaily
Images ©Andrew Lee
