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November 2015
‘Climate proof’ Cairngorms retreat secures planning

‘Climate proof’ Cairngorms retreat secures planning

November 25 2015

Moxon Architects have secured planning consent for a ‘climate proof’ forest home at Crathie Wood within the Cairngorms National Park, forming part of a loose cluster of residential and community buildings.

Quarry House sits within a manmade depression formed by mining activity, affording a degree of protection from the extreme weather which can affect the area, where bitter northerly winds can cause temperatures to plummet to -20C in the depths of winter.

To beat the elements rooms are oriented to the south and west to maximise solar gain whilst the homes profile follows the slope of the landscape to minimise exposure.

Finished with a combination of wide rough sawn and narrow smooth planned larch boards the property will be topped by a ‘crinkly tin’ mono pitched roof with deep box gutters and snow rails.

Architect Ben Addy commented: “The brief for this house was that it should be of the woods as much as it is in the woods. Although the overall footprint is very simple the interior spaces are deliberately ‘misaligned’ in order to create pockets of space that embed the building in its surroundings with sheltered niches and frequent unexpected views.”

Construction is expected to get underway by the middle of next year.

Frameless glazing is employed throughout

Inspiration was gleaned from modern agricultural buildings as well as Arts and Crafts homes from the vicinity

Interior spaces have been conceived to emphasise the quality of light and draw views out

The site lies within an area of Special Scientific Interest in Upper Deeside

6 Comments

#1 Posted by lm on 25 Nov 2015 at 12:46 PM

Really good and fantastic images

#2 Posted by jack frost on 25 Nov 2015 at 13:11 PM

applause

#3 Posted by CADMonkey on 25 Nov 2015 at 20:49 PM

Loving the architectspeak...“The brief for this house was that it should be of the woods as much as it is in the woods."

Hmmm...it looks very much like a house in the woods to me.

Is there a plan available so we can understand the clever planning referred to? It doesn't come through in the images.

#4 Posted by M. on 26 Nov 2015 at 13:36 PM

Planning application at the following:

https://upa.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=NRXILTCAGBZ00