Private House, Lasswade,

Edinburgh

This speculative design for a substantial new house within a conservation area the design draws heavily on the materials, forms, proportions and scale of the surrounding houses.

The simple, rectangular form keeps detailing of the external fabric simple, leading to less thermal bridging and lower hear losses.

As well as careful orientation to optimise solar gains throughout the year, an integrated sunroom provides a buffer space and passive cooling and heating to the kitchen-cum-family room, all of which contribute to lower running costs for the house.