One of the first off-grid eco-houses in Scotland has been given the go-ahead by planners.

Located in Trinity Gask, near Auchterarder, the self-sufficient five-bedroom home has been designed by international eco-architect Kirsty Maguire.

With no need for mains electricity or for gas and oil, the eco-house will be entirely off grid.

Timber and other environmentally-friendly material such as limecrete are to be used in the construction of the house, which will be clad in Scottish larch boarding for a natural finish.

All energy needs will be met through renewable sources and a management strategy for the surrounding land is also to be adopted.

Dundee-based architect Maguire said: "What we are creating is a large, comfortable and beautiful family home which needs the minimum of energy to keep it warm, light and bright even in a harsh Scottish winter.


"And all the power it does need will come from renewable sources generated or grown on site – electricity from a small wind turbine and from biofuels.

"The house will hold the warmth so effectively that heating will only take the same energy as it needs to run a kettle and a toaster. The idea is to prove that energy-efficient and sustainable homes are the way ahead for cutting bills while still being able to live in houses that are spacious, airy and light – ideal for modern family life."

Nick Brian, the council’s development quality manager, told the committee: "The proposed house has been designed specifically and uniquely for this site and to meet the needs of a modern growing family as well as being detailed to achieve very low energy requirements."

He added: "The landscape strategy for the site includes two areas of land to grow biomass fuel with three hectares in oilseed rape to produce fuel oil and two hectares to grow short rotation coppice willow. A two hectare area of land will be set aside for environmental work to enhance the local ecosystem and promote habitat creation and greater species diversity."

(IT)