In April 2024, building regulations will change to prevent the use of ‘direct emission heating (DEH)’ systems in new buildings, and some conversions. These are systems which use more than a ‘negligible’ level of greenhouse gas emissions.
In practice, this means that new buildings can’t use gas or oil boilers.
Instead, heating and cooling systems will need to be supplied from other zero DEH systems like a heat pump, solar thermal storage system or electric storage heaters. A zero DEH system connected to a heat network will also be allowed.
Bioenergy, where electricity or heat is generated from organic matter such as wood, is not considered to be a zero DEH system and therefore won’t be allowed to heat new buildings.
There are some exceptions to the NBHS. It won’t apply to:
- alterations to, or extension of, a pre-2024 building
- emergency heating – a direct emission heating system could only be used when the heating or hot water service system normally used fails
- heating provided solely for the purpose of frost protection, for example heating to stop water pipes from bursting in cold weather or damage to equipment in commercial buildings.
Scotland’s proposal to improve new building standards and end the use of Direct Emissions Heating (DEH). It proposes that from 2024, “new buildings must use heating systems which produce zero direct emissions at the point of use”
More information about the New Build Heat Standard can be found here…
If you are planning a New Build or need some advice, please contact us for an initial consultation and we’d be happy to help
Really enjoying the progress of this project, making the most of those exceptional views 🌊
#fifearchitects #architecture #fife #eastneuk #seaviews #renovation #extension #cladding
Delighted to see our coastal cottage renovation project featured on BBC’s “Scotland’s Home of the Year” yesterday.
The judges had lovely things to say about the design, and while we received full marks, we missed out “by a whisker” in a tie-breaker situation. Congratulations to the winning project - well deserved 🙌🏼
A heartfelt thank you to our client for the opportunity to work on such a special project and for representing it so well on the show.
Have you watched the episode yet? Let us know what you think in the comments!
#shoty #fifearchitects #eastneuk #bbc #bbcscotland #iplayer #scottisharchitects #architecture #ScotlandsHomeOfTheYear #CoastalDesign #homerenovation
2025 has flown by so far and our team have been working hard so we all took a well-earned break yesterday afternoon and caught the May Princess from Anstruther to the Isle of May and what a spectacular day we had! Perfect weather to enjoy this amazing island home to hundreds of thousands of beautiful seabirds including over 100,000 puffins. Too many photos to share but hope you enjoy some of the shots our team captured;
Great progress in our project in Elie - such a brilliant location. The transformation is going to be dramatic!
Thanks to Josh and his drone skills 🙌🏼
#drone #fifearchitects #fife #eastneuk #construction #architecture
Look out for Fife Architects coastal home project on SHOTY next week, in the East category! 👀 #shoty #eastneukoffife #architecture
The Doocot
One of our projects from 2017 has been transformed into stunning holiday accommodation near Arncroach in the East Neuk. Although all aspects of our designs weren’t in the final development, we really admire the finished project.
We worked on designs for both The Lodge (sleeps 4) and The Doocot (Sleeps 2) both of which are available for holiday lets.
This initial designs explored options for the conversion and restoration of an existing disused Doocot. A new practical entrance that considers the existing barn door, utilising garage space and existing stone features and stairs. A new roof with roof-lights to maximise natural daylight, one large master bedroom with en-suite. A new living space and a new open plan kitchen / dining.
The accommodations is also surrounded by beautiful farmland and orchards, producing one of the coast most loved apple juice - 🍏 @eastneukorchards
#fifearchitect #architect #scottisharchitecture #doocot #eastneuk #fife #scottisharchitecture
We recently worked on this design, to enhance our clients indoor/outdoor living space.
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors #extensions
We’re thrilled to share that our proposals for the restoration and extension of Priorletham Smithy—a C-listed gem near St Andrews—have officially received planning approval!
This marks an exciting step toward transforming this derelict yet characterful building into a sustainable, energy-efficient family home, while honouring its rich heritage and unique setting.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in getting us to this stage—we can’t wait to see this one come to life
📍St Andrews | 🛠 Restoration & Extension | 🏡 Heritage Meets Modern Living
#PlanningApproved #ListedBuildingRestoration #FifeArchitects #ScottishArchitecture #RainbowCottage #PriorlethamSmithy #HeritageDesign #StAndrewsProjects #SustainableHomes #ArchitectsOfInstagram #FromDerelictToDreamHome
What about a curve?
One of our new build projects near Dunfermline is making excellent progress. The views of The Forth and surrounding fields will be exceptional.
The construction team is doing a brilliant job on the roof, and timber frame by Rob Roy Homes; thanks for sharing the images with us.
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland #design #interiordesign #architecturephotography #photography #travel #architecturelovers #architect #home #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #drone #timberframe #timber #newbuild
Progress on our curved house project, looking forward to seeing the end result on this one, incredible views all round!
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors
This rooftop terrace is a prime example of utilising space. We can’t wait to see the finished results, just in time for summer.
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors #rooftop #terrace
We are looking forward to re photographing this project after 10 years! Look out for the images in the coming months.
It’s a pleasure seeing homes we’ve worked on after they’ve being well used and lived in.
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors
If you’re thinking of a renovation, extension or new build project, we’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch via our contact page on our website, link can be found in our bio.
All office meetings fuelled by @tunnocksofficial 👌🏼
#tunnocks #tunnocksteacake #fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors
Spectacular drone shots of today`s site visit, courtesy of our architect in training @jjoshdavey ! In order to fit this new extension into the site as snugly as possible, and maximize garden and deck space, there is only one right angle in the new build. The new landscaping is taking shape. With a strong concept of coast, this development will feature a wildflower sedum roof with coastal planting. #fife #fifearchitecture #architecture #fifecoastalpath
Great progress at this extension project by Fife Architects! One major element of this project was how to deal with a very old, very large sandstone retaining wall, located just behind the new extension. Options were considered and in the end, the decision was made to carefully remove the wall altogether however to keep all the beautiful stone on site to form a new rockery gently sloping up to the higher level of this spectacular site.
We have multiple projects under construction in Fife for 2025, working closely with client and contractor to deliver successful projects; #fifearchitects #architecture #building #fifecoastalpath #fifelife
/Angle Appreciation\
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors
Some more beautiful drone shots from our colleague Josh, highlighting one of our current projects. Construction is well underway, making the most of those stunning views!
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors
Our first feature of the year in @scottishfieldmag
Thank you @dinky_media
If you’d like to read more about Balbirnie Gate Lodge, we will share a link in stories. You can also find in “news” on our website.
If you’d like to get the ball rolling on your project, please get in touch!
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors #feature #scottishfield
A site visit to one of our projects in north east Fife, well underway with an end in sight.
Impressive country views!
#fifearchitects #architecture #scottisharchitects #architectsscotland #fife #scotland #eastneuk #scotland#design #interiordesign #art #architecturephotography #photography #travel #interior #architecturelovers #architect #home #homedecor #archilovers #building #construction #homedesign #decor #interiors #sitevisit