REMOTE BUILDING

There are many factors to take into account when planning a remote rural build, from challenging weather conditions and the practicalities of delivering materials to providing health and safety facilities, electrical power and running water.

Award-winning builder Angus Reid-Evans says that the first thing you must do is ask your prospective builder to ‘walk the site’ with you to assess whether your dream project is feasible. ‘It’s unrealistic to expect someone who’s never been a builder or developer before to know if such a project can be done,’ he says.

Consider and accept any design limitations. ‘There’s a strong movement towards modular houses,’ says Angus. ‘But that doesn’t always work in a very remote place, as you need a crane to erect the framework and panels, which you may not be able to get there.’

Lochside House took two years to construct, with the builders having to stay on site for extended periods. Angus says the best way to keep the workforce happy is to provide accommodation that allows them privacy and time away from their workmates, a shower and hot food. In his opinion, it makes sense to rent a house nearby, so this is a cost that must be factored in.

Good communication between client, builder, architect, engineer and associated tradespeople is key to ensuring the build programme continues on track. For the Lochside House project, this was achieved by monthly progress meetings attended by all parties, which required commitment and transparency.

Using local materials, such as the stones that make up the wall, was a necessity due to the difficult-to-access location