Site analysis
Map orientation, road access, contours, neighbouring properties, flood and drainage questions, and any planning constraints.
02 / NEW HOMES
New-build house design
Considered architectural design for a new home built around you.
A CONSIDERED APPROACH
Design with purpose.
A new-build home brings together your aspirations, site constraints, planning requirements and technical considerations. Nicoll Design has longstanding experience helping clients with residential architectural design.
HOW WE CAN HELP
What to consider.
- New house concepts and layouts
- Site-specific architectural design
- Planning application drawings
- Building warrant and technical design coordination
DESIGN & APPROVALS
Make your design decisions in the right sequence.
A bespoke new home works best when the architecture, planning context and technical requirements develop together—not as disconnected stages.
THE PROCESS EXPLAINED
Five things to work through.
Concept design
Test different layouts and building forms against the site and the household's daily routines.
Planning submission
Develop the drawings and supporting information required for a suitable planning application.
Technical coordination
Address structure, insulation, ventilation, services and other specialist matters needed for a building warrant.
Construction readiness
Agree final drawings, contractor information, budget controls, inspection responsibilities and any mortgage-lender requirements.
PREPARE FOR A CONVERSATION
What to have to hand.
Don't worry if you haven't got everything yet. These details can help make an initial discussion more productive.
Enquire about this serviceYOUR PROJECT STARTER LIST
01
Site or proposed plot location
02
Rough internal space requirements
03
Desired energy and heating approach
04
Inspirational examples and material preferences
05
Indicative budget and timescale
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Useful answers before you begin.
Can a home be designed before I own a plot?+
You can develop a broad brief, but a realistic design needs a particular site. Access, orientation, planning policy and topography can alter what is feasible.
Do I need both planning permission and a warrant?+
A new home in Scotland generally requires planning permission and a building warrant before work starts.
“A new home should respond to its setting just as carefully as it responds to those living in it.”