Further recognition for Scots passivhaus home

A HIGHLY energy-efficient house on the outskirts of the Stirlingshire village of Kippen has been recognised for its ‘circular economy’ qualities.

Says the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, here: “Located on the edge of Kippen’s conservation area, Ostro Passivhaus dispels the myth that exquisite contemporary architecture cannot be truly low-energy or environmentally beneficial.

“The house was a labour of love for its owners: [architectural practice] Paper Igloo’s Mhairi Grant and Martin McCrae built the house by hand over several years on a modest budget. Nothing is unnecessary or superfluous, and all parts meaningfully contribute to the story of the building, and its beauty and durability in the face of the climate crisis.”

The RIAS had shortlisted the house in its Buildings of the Year awards, making the house then eligible for a further ‘special’ award – ‘circular economy design award’, sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland.

In a similar vein, another shortlisted Scottish Buildings of the Year contender, High Sunderland – in the Scottish Borders – has been named, here, as Conservation award winner.

Ostro Passivhaus was recently showcased on BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year show.

Picture credit: David Barbour