Gleneagles Self Build Home
In 2013, retired aircraft pilot, Colin Amor, appointed AC Architects to design his new Self Build home, after an extensive search and interview process of various national architects. The work on the site in Auchterarder – near the Gleneagles Golf Course – had been started by a previous developer, who had solely completed the foundations prior to running out of money. This meant that ACA had to design a bespoke home which met the client’s brief but also fitted on to the existing footprint – a new and exciting challenge for ACA.
The client was keen to create a large open-plan house, flowing from space to space, which all centred around a double-height atrium – featuring a linking bridge that cut across the central atrium on the first floor. The house was built with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) from SIPs Industries.
The house featured a whole load of renewable energy technology including a Daiken air-source heat pump, Paul Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery, triple-glazing from ADW, and 4Kw of PV panels. Due to the airtightness, high insulation values, and the renewable heating sources put in place, the client has yet to receive an electricity bill – and has made back on average £400 per quarter from renewable heat incentive payments.
The large dwelling of around 350m2 has five bedrooms – all with en-suite – and a large family bathroom. The main central atrium creates a family dining space – and on the first floor, a lobby seating area where you can look over the double-height atrium, with views across the rolling countryside.
