Eco house at Gask given green light by PKC

Jan 29 2013 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser

Councillors have given the go-ahead to plans to build a self-sufficient eco-house in Perthshire.

International eco-architect Kirsty Maguire has designed the house, to be built near Trinity Gask, which will have no need for mains electricity, gas or oil.

The innovative five-bedroom home will use timber and other environmentally-friendly materials and will be clad in Scottish larch.

A key feature is that it will be built on stilts, rather than a concrete platform, so no harm is done to the land and it can be easily removed.

Dundee-based Ms Maguire said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to show how we can cut waste and live more sustainably. It is a glimpse of the future.”

The house will be one of a handful in Scotland which generate all energy through renewable sources on-site, keeping the energy and ecological footprint to a minimum.

Ms Maguire added: :The house will hold the warmth so effectively that heating will only take the same energy as it needs to run a kettle and a toaster.

“The idea is to prove that energy-efficient and sustainable homes are the way ahead for cutting bills while still being able to live in houses that are spacious, airy and light, ideal for modern family life.”

The Trinity Gask plans also include a management strategy for the surrounding land which will allow sustainable living on the site and encourage biodiversity.

A roadway will be created from permeable recycled plastic matting that allows grass to grow through.