Journal: Advice

Name: kenna.studio
Address: Scotland
Price range: $$$$$

We understand how complex and daunting a new construction project can be, so it helps to know what to expect. Why not give yourself a head start by learning more about the building process? Here, we share our expertise, industry-related knowledge and updates on our current projects.

View All Renovation⁽⁵⁾ Advice⁽¹⁵⁾ Interview⁽⁵⁾ Passivhaus⁽¹⁰⁾ Community Press⁽⁵⁾ Custom Build⁽¹¹⁾

Showing: Advice

The interior living space of the Coldwells Build Passivhaus, Argyle. Grey furnishings.

Passivhaus Advice

The Resilience of Passivhaus Homes in Power and Heating Cuts

Discover how Passivhaus homes stay comfortable for up to a week during power and heating cuts – making them the ultimate solution for a changing climate. [2 Min Read Time]

A builder stands inside a half-built house. He stretches up high to push a new window into its position. Outside, a builder supports the window.

Passivhaus Advice

Can I Still Open the Windows in an Airtight Passivhaus?

Confused about what airtight construction means in a Passivhaus? Discover how it ensures energy efficiency and indoor comfort without sacrificing fresh air or the option to open your windows. [5 Min Read Time]

Concrete blocks stacked on top of more concrete blocks. Grass and trees in the background.

Passivhaus Advice

Are Passivhaus Homes More Expensive to Build?

We often get asked if building a Passivhaus costs more. Our Director, Clare Booth, gives a quick walk-through of the cost difference, plus the long-term savings and benefits Passivhaus offers. [7 Min Read Time]

Two builders install a window in a half-built home.

Passivhaus Advice

Scotland Aiming for all New Homes to be Built to a Passivhaus Equivalent Standard in Future

Get ahead of the curve and understand what the changes mean and how you can build a future-proof, world-leading Passivhaus home. [2 Min Read Time]

Concrete blocks stacked high on pallets waiting to be used on a building site. Trees are in the background.

Advice Custom Build Renovation

The Problem With Cost Per Square Metre Rates

When planning a home, many people use square metre rates to estimate building costs, but this method can be highly misleading. We explore the risks of relying solely on this method. [5 Min Read Time]

A builder dips his trowel into a wheelbarrow holding wet cement.

Custom Build Advice

Should I Build a Home in 2025?

Considering building in 2025 but hesitant to commit? We explore the factors affecting construction costs to help you decide. [3 Min Read Time]

Inside a half-built timber frame home. Materials include Oriented Strand Board (OSB). One wall of the new house is covered in silver, windproof building paper. Timber frames are exposed. Electrical cables hang from the ceiling. Sawdust covers the concrete floor. Barley fields are in the distance.

Passivhaus Advice

Top 5 Benefits of a Passivhaus Home: Why You Should Build One

With energy costs soaring and Scotland's net zero target fast approaching, we all need to be using less energy. We discuss the top 5 benefits of a Passivhaus home. [5 Min Read Time]

Exterior image of a large, grey granite home with a slate roof and double car garage, surrounded by green grass and farmer’s fields.

Custom Build Advice

How to Budget For Your House Build and Spot Hidden Costs

Our guide to setting and sticking to a budget and identifying hidden expenses. [10 Min Read Time]

A pallet of builder’s blocks sits on a muddy construction site. A wheelbarrow sits next to the blocks. In the foreground, a new wall is being built from concrete blocks on the foundations of a new house.

Custom Build Advice

How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Scotland in 2024?

How much should you set aside to build a bespoke home in Scotland? Our cost guide includes real life examples, £/m² building prices and the factors affecting construction costs in 2024. [7 Min Read Time]

High angle shot of a muddy building site. The foundations of a new house are in place. Concrete builder’s blocks are stacked in pallets and surround the foundations, ready to build walls. A yellow digger, barley fields and forest is in the background.

Advice

8 Ways to Find Plots for Sale in Scotland

Finding good quality, buildable land is vital for a successful self-build or custom home project. Explore all avenues with our guide to discovering building plots in Scotland. [8 Min Read Time]

Advice

Tips For a New Build Garden

Where should you start with a new build garden? TV gardener, Scott Smith and garden designer, Iona Hilleary share their ideas to transform a bare, empty plot in Scotland. [5 Min Read Time]

A construction worker lays concrete blocks in wet cement to build the finished floor height of a new build home.

Advice

What Types of Building Insurance Should Your Contractor Have?

Emma Whyatt, Director of Federation of Master Builders Insurance Services explains the types of cover your builder should have and which policies you should consider yourself. [5 Min Read Time]

Modern, blackened timber and glass box shaped extension and granite cottage, surrounded by woodland.

Advice Custom Build Renovation

Cost of Renovating vs Building a New Home

Which project is the most cost effective? Which is the fastest to complete? We look at some of the key elements to help you decide whether to renovate or build from scratch. [5 Min Read Time]

Two builders stand at the site of a new build home. They read large, white plans which are resting on a pile of concrete blocks. A yellow digger is parked in the background.

Custom Build Advice

This Is Why Your Builder Needs To Know Your Budget: The Top 4 Reasons

Nothing is worse than designing your dream home and then learning it’s out of reach. We explain the top 4 reasons why your builder should understand your budget. [5 Min Read Time]

Concrete blocks and scaffolding boards stacked on a building site. Exposed rock is in the background.

Custom Build Advice

Material Prices Are Through The Roof, So Is 2022 a Good Time to Build a House?

A shortage of construction materials saw prices hit a 40 year high in 2021. Will the trend continue in 2022? And what could it mean for your custom home project? [5 Min Read Time]

Title Filter View
The Resilience of Passivhaus Homes in Power and Heating Cuts Passivhaus Advice
Can I Still Open the Windows in an Airtight Passivhaus? Passivhaus Advice
Are Passivhaus Homes More Expensive to Build? Passivhaus Advice
Scotland Aiming for all New Homes to be Built to a Passivhaus Equivalent Standard in Future Passivhaus Advice
The Problem With Cost Per Square Metre Rates Advice Custom Build Renovation
Should I Build a Home in 2025? Custom Build Advice
Top 5 Benefits of a Passivhaus Home: Why You Should Build One Passivhaus Advice
How to Budget For Your House Build and Spot Hidden Costs Custom Build Advice
How Much Does it Cost to Build a House in Scotland in 2024? Custom Build Advice
8 Ways to Find Plots for Sale in Scotland Advice
Tips For a New Build Garden Advice
What Types of Building Insurance Should Your Contractor Have? Advice
Cost of Renovating vs Building a New Home Advice Custom Build Renovation
This Is Why Your Builder Needs To Know Your Budget: The Top 4 Reasons Custom Build Advice
Material Prices Are Through The Roof, So Is 2022 a Good Time to Build a House? Custom Build Advice