Birchwood High Performance Home Perthshire
Birchwood is a contemporary low-energy family home currently under construction in Perthshire.
Designed for a steeply sloping, north-facing woodland site, the house draws inspiration from traditional vernacular forms while embracing modern sustainable design principles. Carefully positioned within a natural clearing, the dwelling maximises daylight and solar gain despite the challenging orientation, with a dramatic double-height kitchen and living space forming the heart of the home.
The stepped design minimises excavation and landscape disruption, allowing the house to sit naturally within the terrain. A partially embedded lower level accommodates covered parking beneath the main accommodation, avoiding the need for a separate garage building and reducing the overall environmental footprint.
The design responds directly to its setting, preserving and celebrating a mature sweet chestnut tree which acts as a focal point for the house and landscape. High levels of insulation, airtight construction and renewable energy technologies combine to create a comfortable, efficient and future-proof family home.