SIPS Family Home, Aberfeldy
Our clients used low energy design experts, Architeco, to help them plan their sustainable family home in the hills above Aberfeldy in Perthshire. From the outset they were keen to use SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) to achieve their goal of a thermally efficient home and minimise ongoing running costs. This bespoke five-bedroom SIPs kit needed to both maximise the plot’s stunning views down the valley to Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s best known munros, and
provide a practical, energy-efficient and modern living space for our clients and their three children.
- Date: 2017
- Client: PRIVATE
- Main Contractor: JML SIPS
- Architect: ARCHITECO
- Engineer: JML SIPS
Challenges
The clients’ desire to make the most of the views and maximise natural light within the property meant that the design required large quantities of glazing. This resulted in a relatively complex structural design, which was readily achievable thanks to the strength and versalitility of SIPs. Choosing to build in a thermally efficient ans sustainable materials like SIPs also enabled the client to comply with the local council’s Sustainable Development Policy.
With three active young children, our clients were also keen that every bit of space within the property was maximised. Since SIPs don’t require roof trusses, this meant that the upstairs rooms and the double-height hallway were constructed with vaulted ceilings, making them light, airy and spacious.
What The Client Said
“For us, the priority was always to build a family home that was both beautiful and efficient. We’re over the moon that by choosing to build in SIPs we have an exceptionally thermally efficient house without having to make any compromises on the design. The views still take my breath away, particularly on a clear day when you can see right the way down the valley. We would build in SIPs again and again, and are so grateful that we had the support of JML SIPs throughout this process.”
SERVICES DELIVERED
The SIPs kit was precision engineered and manufactured in JML SIPs’ Perthshire based factory, and we spent a period of two weeks on site erecting it to a wind and water tight level. We worked with the client to complete the cladding, slate roofing and external stonework, which reused stone from an old orchard wall on the site.
We also managed and completed all the groundworks with our in-house civils team, including levelling out the slightly sloping site before laying the foundations and coordinating delivery of the pre-cut SIPs kit down a narrow farm track using a tractor and trailer.
This project was a finalist for ‘Best SIPs House’ in the 2018 Build It Awards