Straw Bale House - Ellon

A new-build family home in Aberdeenshire, taking inspiration from an eclectic range of sources -  such as traditional farm steadings, "earth-ships", mid-century modern design and contemporary design principles. The building feels like a bright and airy new-build steading conversion with strong connections to the garden grounds and views. 

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Due to its L-shaped plan, the building creates its own microclimate - trapping the heat from the sun in the south facing courtyard and sheltering from the colder winds from the north-east and north-west. The building position in the corner of the plot, creates the sense of a walled garden. 

  

Heating and hot water are provided solely by biomass (a boiler stove) and solar hot water panels. There is no need for oil, gas or electric back-up.

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Due to the extensive self-build nature of this project, a lot of attention has been paid to practical buildability. As well as consideration for the practical usability of spaces, a lot of thought has gone into how the building 'feels' by using natural materials, dramatic volumes, and a variety of natural lighting techniques. Carefully considered window placements create a series of curated views of the garden and beyond.

  

#ecohouse #strawbales #shou-sugi-ban #burntlarchcladding #internalcobwall #reflectionpond