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Appropriate Rural Housing Appropriate Rural Housing
Appropriate Rural Housing Appropriate Rural Housing
Appropriate Rural Housing Appropriate Rural Housing

Appropriate Rural Housing

Simpson & Brown was commissioned to design a prototype pattern book of house plans to stimulate the use of home-grown timber for cladding. This approach provides high standards of architectural design and an almost infinite possibility of house designs to be offered to clients who want to create a dwelling-place which is sympathetic to a rural context and responsive to issues of sustainability. The designs reflect local culture and tradition, an understanding of contemporary rural life, address issues of energy efficiency and maintainability, and use a construction process which supports local economy. Generic house types have been developed to meet specific requirements.  The Aspen house is an open-plan single storey 'long house' with two to three bedrooms and potential for loft accommodation. The Birch house is the 'classic' design: detached with one and a half storeys and two to three bedrooms.


The project was funded by the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, The Scottish Office Rural Challenge Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Forestry Commission, Highland Council,

the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust, and supported by

Scottish Homes and Scottish Natural Heritage.