Modern Residential Design

Simon Winstanley Architects have another award winning green house to add to their portfolio. The Houl, in southern Scotland, is not only net "zero carbon", but an impressive open-plan modern statement to boot. The house is sited in a natural concave area of hillside facing principally west along the contours to enjoy the spectacular landscape setting of the river Ken valley and the ridges of the Rhinns of Kells hills opposite. The intention was to create a contemporary single storey "long house" which is recessive in the landscape, sustainable in its construction, very low in energy consumption, and aiming for zero net emissions of carbon dioxide for all energy use in the house. The design uses lightweight but highly insulated steel and timber frame construction, clad in cedar weatherboarding allowed to weather to a natural silver grey colour. The roof finish is pre-weathered grey standing seam

The latest in their series of baches (small holiday retreats) on Great Barrier Island continues to explore the relationship of the building to the natural environment. Photographer Jackie Meiring . I've been a fan of Herbst Architects for some years now. Their ability to perfectly nestle a house into its environment and leverage the site's natural assets is amazing. As their bevy of Great Barrier Island houses grows, they have created a new vernacular, of lightweight raw wood and gabions from local stones. Plans