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

Taking on a construction project is daunting, so it can help to know what to expect. To learn more about the building process, why not give yourself a head start by reading ahead? Here, we share our expertise, industry-related knowledge and updates on our current projects.

Coldwells Build on the House Planning Help Podcast: Introducing Our Passivhaus Range

We recently appeared on the House Planning Help podcast to discuss the launch of our predesigned, prefabricated Passivhaus homes.

Passivhaus, Press • 30 Min Read Time

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

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.

Advice, Custom Build, Renovation

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

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.

Custom Build, Advice

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

How to Budget For Your House Build and Spot Hidden Costs

Our guide to setting and sticking to a budget and identifying hidden expenses.

Custom Build, Advice • 10 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.

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.

Passivhaus, Advice • 5 Min Read Time

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

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.

Passivhaus, Advice • 7 Min Read Time

Coldwells Build at the Green Home Festival – Passivhaus Made Simple

We recently took part in the Green Home Festival in Edinburgh and shared how we’re making Passivhaus simple for self-builders with our soon-to-be launched Coldwells Build Passivhaus range.

Passivhaus, Press • 2 Min Read Time

A black woodburning stove. Logs sit on a basket next to the stove. A chair sits next to the basket with a throw draped over it.

Why You Won’t Need a Wood Burning Stove in a Passivhaus - Even in a Power Cut

Wood burning stoves can no longer be installed in Scotland’s new build homes. So what’s the backup plan during a power cut? The solution lies in Passivhaus.

Passivhaus, Advice • 2 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.

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.

Custom Build, Advice • 7 Min Read Time

A timber frame sits on the ground at a new build construction site. Grass and daises surround the timber.

How Much Does an Extension Cost in Scotland in 2024?

How much does an extension cost? Here are up-to-date figures to guide your project, plus what you need to consider when working out your budget.

Custom Build, Advice, Renovation • 5 Min Read Time

Large wooden dining table with five wishbone chairs, grey hanging lamps and tall vertical window

6 Reasons to Plan Your Renovation in Winter

If a home renovation is on your agenda in 2024, there's no better time to start planning than now. Here are six reasons why winter is the perfect season to lay the groundwork for your refurbishment project.

Renovation • 2 Min Read Time

Coldwells Build Passivhaus - 4 bed bungalow with pitched roof and black cladding on rural landscape.

Coldwells Build unveils a new certified Passivhaus range

The Coldwells Build Passivhaus range launches in winter 2024. Our ready-to-go, design-driven homes combine premium, sustainable materials with the speed and precision of prefabricated construction.

Passivhaus • 2 Min Read Time

How We Did It: Transforming a Traditional Stone Cottage into a Modern, Energy Efficient Home

Our clients sought to remodel, extend and improve the energy efficiency of their cherished period cottage, all whilst honouring its rich and notable history.

Interview, Renovation • 2 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.

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.

Advice • 8 Min Read Time

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.

Advice • 5 Min Read Time

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

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.

Advice • 5 Min Read Time

An outside shot looking into a heavily glazed house. Through the glass, a dog can be seen sitting at the bottom of a birch plywood spiral staircase. The home’s exterior materials are made from timber cladding and board marked concrete.

Coldwells Build Winners at 2023 Federation of Master Builder Awards

Coldwells Build are honoured to be named Scotland’s overall winners for our Farragon and The Arbor House projects at the 2023 Federation of Master Builder Awards.

Custom Build, Press • 2 Min Read Time

A partially-built home clad in grey corrugated sheeting. A black door is in the middle of the sheeting. Beyond the home, there is rural views of farmer’s fields. Rubble and builder’s sand can be seen in the foreground.

8 Things to Know Before Building a Passivhaus Home

If you’re new to Passivhaus, Rupert Daly, Passivhaus designer and associate director at John Gilbert Architects, provides insight into this low energy building standard.

Passivhaus, Interview • 10 Min Read Time

Traditional granite cottage and byre connected with modern, blackened timber and glass extension with a child walking.

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.

Advice, Custom Build, Renovation • 5 Min Read Time

A twilight shot of a modern, cantilevered house, looking from the outside in. The lights are on inside the property and floor to ceiling glazing allows you to see right inside the home. A man and a woman can be seen sitting on a couch watching TV. The home’s materials include board marked concrete and timber cladding.

The Arbor House in ELLE Decoration

The Arbor House in Aberdeen is featured alongside some of the world’s most beautiful properties in June 2023’s edition of ELLE Decoration.

Custom Build, Press • 2 Min Read Time

Register For Early-bird Access

To view the Coldwells Build Passivhaus designs before their official launch in winter 2024, register today.

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Coldwells Build on the House Planning Help Podcast: Introducing Our Passivhaus Range