The time approaches for us to design our house and apply for planning permission to build on the decrofted part of the land.
There is already outline planning permission granted for a one and a half storey house, but full planning permission and building warrants will be needed next.
We’ve been working with Dualchas, Skye based architects. They design homes based on the original black houses of the Hebrides, houses that are long and low, that tuck into the hillsides, and are built to cope with the high winds and rain.
It became apparent quite quickly that by the time we factored in the groundworks, a long access road, a sewerage plant and everything else, that this was going to be an expensive exercise! A custom designed house with everything that we wanted was starting to look like a stretch too far.
Dualchas also however have a series of SIP (structured insulated panel) kit homes that contain all the best elements of their design – big volumes in the living areas, lots of light, great energy efficiency, remarkable build strength – and which prove marginally less expensive for what we want.
Our wish list:
*For the house to be super efficient in terms of energy consumption and to be cost-effective to run.
*To have big windows on the south side for solar gain and to make the most of the views.
*To sit quietly and naturally in the landscape, respecting the local vernacular.
*To be built of natural materials (slate, wood, stone).
*To have enough space for a utility room, a boot room and a larder for food storage and preparation.
*To have generous living space, with room for our massive book collection.
We have lots of work to do now to try and balance our budget with our desires and find a compromise that works for us and the land.
Let the balancing act begin….☺️
Ravencroft Skye 
Glad you sorted out the publishing issue and all the best with your build.
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Thank you!
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I live in a Dualchas house and our design criteria were almost identical. We were the first SIPS house they designed and it’s interesting that they are now using this system for their kit houses. If you think our experience might be useful, send me an e-mail and perhaps I can help.
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Definitely! That would be so helpful ☺️. What’s your email address please and I’d really like that
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I’ve sent you an e-mail. Let me know if it doesn’t arrive.
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Arrived, thank you! Will respond later tonight ☺️
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Just looking back at your posts, I commented originally in 2013! I feel I know you. I’d love to be in touch x
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This phase is like the pruning of new growth; all the ideas and imaginings now have to be pruned to what will fit inside the guides set by practicalities and budget. It’s hard to do and you find yourself saying goodbye to some long-held dreams.
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Yep, and we’re still pruning… And whenever probably carry on pruning throughout the build. We’ve also had to give up on the services of the expert gardeners, have bought the secateurs ourselves and are snipping away like maniacs to keep this viable… 😳
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We are doing the same. 😁. Happy gardening.
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You too! Where are you in the process?
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We were forced to spend our savings on bushfire mitigation at the beginning of the year, so we are now in the process of looking for a bank loan. Facing not being able to retire for another 12 years so we can pay the piper. Hoping it will keep us young.
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Ah, I feel for you. Life and the universe throw curved balls at our best efforts to get ahead every time. Stay positive and you’ll get there. I guess after the sheer emotional trauma of the fire you’re left feeling grateful not to have lost what you could have. Sending positive thoughts and remote hugs from London 👍🙂
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Definitely, we feel really grateful to have saved our place and the fire mitigation we have done was in the plan ( just not at this point).
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