This Stylish Passivhaus was Self-Built for Just £250k

timber cladding on passivhaus self build
(Image credit: David Barbour)

After working on a substantial renovation and extension for her parents, Mhairi and her husband Martin, founders of Paper Igloo Architecture, looked to their own home — a renovated flat in Glasgow that they couldn’t get above 16ºC in winter. It was clear a new home was on the horizon for them. 

“Self build felt like the natural choice for us because we’ve always been quite hands on,” says Mhairi. "Being self-employed we just thought we also needed to be mortgage free, have fewer bills and make our cost of living more manageable.

Amy Reeves

Assistant Editor Amy began working for Homebuilding & Renovating in 2018. She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. She is currently renovating a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, and has recently fitted her own kitchen.