Many planning departments are concerned that new housing fits well into settlement pattern and surrounding landscape. The longhouse can be sited 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. Your agent or architect should arrange this.  A survey will allow you to take account of falls in level on the site,  better design the house position and access, and will  minimise the amount of earth removal and rock breaking required.  Often the Planning department will ask for levels and sections through the site.  A topographical survey will greatly help the process.

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. Dsi gn is not just about internal spaces bit also those that are created outside.  There is an obligation on house builders to help create a beautiful built environment for all of us to enjoy.   For example, 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 and create a balanced relationship between new and old.

Materials and landscaping

Often the most overlooked part of the building process is the landscaping. Building stane dykes, 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.  A successful solution often used by Heb Homes clients is to use larch cladding on the house which fades to silver.  Drystane walls are then used to define the entrance and garden areas, tying the building into the landscape.

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 town, village, farmyard or remote setting.