Cairn Valley

Energy

The Cairn Valley house and farm buildings will be obtaining all their energy from renewable sources, and exporting any surplus.  The total target consumption for the house is under half that of a typical house, and by far the greatest reduction is in space heating.

The following measures for achieving substantial reductions in energy required for space heating will be taken:

• The external envelope will be super-insulated.
• The building will be extremely air-tight.
• Direct solar energy will be harnessed in the winter
• Subdivision of space based on type of occupancy, with different acceptable temperature ranges;
• Division of the bedroom accommodation into two wings, one with core accommodation, the other with rooms that are occupied intermittently.
   

Indoor climate

Research into energy use around the home has led to innovations that take advantage of the natural conditions. Clothes will be dried quickly by the sun in a ventilated glazed area linked to the laundry, while a food store will take advantage of cool nights to keep food fresh throughout the day. The design also incorporates self-contained wings that have been designed to suit the particular activities they accommodate. Different heating or cooling strategies have been developed for each wing in accordance with their requirements.

Environment

Once built, Cairn Valley Farmhouse will be energy self-sufficient. Renewables such as solar energy, wind power and rainwater will be used to guarantee a constant supply of heat, electricity and water. Rainwater collected from the roof will be processed via UV filters and heated by the energy harnessed from solar panels. A wind turbine will generate the required electricity and export any excess to the National Grid. In addition highly insulated external walls and airtight windows and doors will also contribute to achieving the highest degree of sustainability.

Further description

The forms and materials of the context have provided the inspiration for the design of the house. Its siting, in front of a rocky outcrop, immediately adjacent to a copse of trees ensures that the building is rooted in its site. It is also at the junction of three existing dry stone walls, or dykes.  These walls using local stone, which are used to divide fields, are to be seen throughout the local landscape and the use of these to integrate the house into the context is a key element of the design.

The architects have taken into consideration the potential impact on the environment associated with the building of a new structure and aim to implement the sustainable strategy throughout the project. Starting at the construction stage, the carbon footprint will be minimised by using local materials. Wool sheared from sheep on the farm will constitute the main fabric for the insulation.  The building will be clad in native oak, while locally reclaimed timber will be used on balustrades, stairs and other fixtures throughout the house.

Some aspects of the project will use tried and tested technology, whilst some will explore techniques on the cutting edge of sustainable technology. A key aspect of this scheme is the architects’ commitment to recording the process and making the lessons learned available to all those concerned with creating sustainable homes. 

Mark Waghorn Architects will use the experience to expand their understanding of the issues involved and inform their future work as environmentally inspired architects. They also intend to publicise the project and the ethic driving it. Those involved in this project are not only committed to ensuring that the effect of our individual activities on the environment is benign or positive, but they also wish to be able inspire and inform others through the process.