Introduction

Hello,

I have just started to build a sustainable house in North East Scotland so thought I'd record our progress and maybe help others who are considering doing this.

We live near Ellon, about 20 miles North from Aberdeen. We are building a new house on a 7 acre plot which eventually will become a small holding. We purchased the plot in May 2006 and after several months to get planning permission, and then another month for a building warrant, we finally started last week.

Although we are trying to be a green as possible then some compromises does have to be made. Partly in terms of cost, partly to satisfy regulations, partly because the skills and materials are not readily availble and partly due to lack of time.

At the moment (20 Aug) we have just laid the foundations, convential concrete trenches (some of you are groaning i know). We will have a solid concrete floor with 200mm of insulation and slightly less insulation and more concrete under the central stove (with a back boiler for hot water). We are not having any central heating and will have 300mm of insulation in the wall (Isonat - hemp based).

Tomorrow, the builders will start the blockwork which will contain the solid floor. Finally the house will raise from the ground!.