siting your home

Many planning departments are concerned that new housing fits well in to settlement pattern and surrounding landscape. The longhouse can be sited relatively easily due to its narrow plan, meaning a reduction in the amount of site clearance required. However there are some points which must be considered.

Topography

It is always worthwhile getting a topographical survey done of your site. This will allow you to take account of falls in level on the site, which will allow you to minimise the amount of earth removal and rock breaking required. But make sure to test the ground conditions before you start site clearance.

Surrounding buildings

If you have neighbours, be respectful. Fitting your building in to the surrounding context can help develop the built environment and gain the approval of the local planners. If you are building on a site where there is an existing old byre, don't demolish it. Use it to help bed your new house in to its setting.

Materials and landscaping

Often the most overlooked part of the building process is the final landscaping. Building stone walls, decks and timber outbuildings can help tie your house into the surroundings. Larch, stone and metal are the common building materials of the countryside and by using them around your house you will develop a continuity of design.

Microclimate

While every homeowner will want to exploit the views from their site, also consider the prevailing wind and sun. How do you give shelter from the South Westerlies? Can you use the sun so as to benefit from passive solar gain? Can planting or an outbuilding act as a sun shield, a windbreak or a sound barrier from a road?

If you are employing a consultant, he or she will assist you with all these parts of the process. Our houses have the benefit of being developed from historical forms which mean that they should be able to fit beautifully in to a village, farmyard or remote setting.