New Oak Frame House, Fife

This new oak frame house design in rural Fife was developed as an energy efficient modern family home.

The house draws inspiration from the traditional East Coast farm house style built with a full oak frame structure. This house combines a range of innovative sustainable features that make it both energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly.

One of the most notable features of this house is its highly insulated wall panels using mineral wool insulation. These panels have been designed to minimise heat loss, which helps to keep the property warm in winter and cool in summer.

Another key aspect of the design is the use of lots of south-facing glass, which maximises passive solar gain. This approach harnesses the natural energy of the sun to heat the house, reducing the need for excess use of the heating system. The fully glazed gable also provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside, creating a beautiful and relaxing living space.

To further enhance the thermal performance of the house, we have incorporated materials with high thermal mass into the design. This involves using materials that can store heat, such as stone or concrete, to help regulate temperature fluctuations. The result is a more stable and comfortable living environment, with less need for additional heating or cooling.

The oak frame itself is made from sustainably sourced oak, which is a renewable and biodegradable material. The oak is cut and shaped using traditional hand tools, which not only preserves the natural beauty of the wood but also minimises waste and energy consumption during the manufacturing process.

Unlike conventional building methods, which rely heavily on steel connections and nails, the oak frame house is constructed using traditional joinery techniques. This involves fitting together the wooden components using mortise and tenon joints, which are held in place by wooden pegs or wedges. This type of construction not only reduces the need for steel and nails but also creates a strong and durable structure that can last for generations.

In addition to minimising the use of steel connections and nails, the oak frame house is also designed to capture carbon. The use of sustainably sourced oak helps to reduce carbon emissions by locking in carbon within the timber structure.

In keeping with its eco-friendly ethos, the house also utilises renewable energy technologies. including solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and rainwater harvesting systems.