In 2017, GRAS secured planning and building warrant approvals for a new four-bedroom PassivHaus-standard dwelling in Gifford, East Lothian. Construction began on site this year, with the house set to become one of the first buildings in East Lothian to achieve the Gold Label certification for sustainability under Scottish Building Standards.

The building is arranged in an F-shaped plan, featuring a long south-facing façade that maximises solar gain and an internal courtyard that provides sheltered outdoor space. The exterior is clad in sustainable timber supplied by Scotlarch, chosen for its environmental credentials and durability. The roof is finished with standing seam zinc sheeting, complemented by magnesium-coated galvanised rainwater goods to ensure longevity and low maintenance.

The building fabric is constructed from closed panel, twin-stud timber-frame walls and roof assemblies. These are fully insulated with pumped cellulose insulation, which combines excellent thermal performance with high thermal mass. This approach ensures outstanding heat retention and air-tightness, critical to achieving PassivHaus certification.

The timber frame is supported on a fully insulated passive floor slab designed to minimise thermal bridging at wall and floor junctions. The slab system also removes the need for traditional concrete footings, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable foundation solution.

Together, these design and construction strategies enable the dwelling to meet rigorous energy efficiency targets while delivering a comfortable, healthy living environment. The project represents a significant step forward in sustainable domestic architecture within the region.