Since we started Paper Igloo nearly 20 years ago, we’ve had the same ethos: our homes are forever. That’s down to the way they’re designed – with resilience, sustainability and thoughtfulness. But it’s not just the outcome that’s important. Creating your home should be a joyful, rewarding process and experience – with us, it is.
We believe in a holistic approach to sustainability. From using natural materials, to landscaping that protects and increases biodiversity – there are so many factors to creating genuinely sustainable and resilient architecture.
We design all of our new builds to the Passivhaus Standard – a practice that reduces energy demand and prioritises comfort. And we’ve crafted our own set of sustainability standards that we follow on every build.
Every architectural project starts with an idea – that moment a need or desire for change sparks a conversation.
At the outset, we gather information: exploring your site, discussing your vision, and working closely with you to develop the brief. At this point, we might conduct a feasibility study to explore different possibilities.
This phase culminates in an initial design – one that brings your vision to life while balancing the sustainability targets, project timeline, your budget, and any health and safety requirements.
Phase one milestone: Application for planning permission.
Once Planning consent is granted, we prepare detailed technical design drawings for the building warrant application. In Scotland, this permit covers six main areas of design – structures, fire safety, environmental aspects, noise, energy, and sustainability.
With the building warrant approved, we move on to the final step before construction – preparing detailed drawings and written specifications for the build.
Once these are complete, the project is ready for tender. This lets a builder provide a fixed cost, bringing your project one step closer to reality.
Phase two milestone: Completion of detailed drawings and written specifications for build.
Here’s where your vision comes to life! Your project takes shape off the page, and we’ll be with you every step of the way – guiding, advising, and ensuring everything stays on track.
Our main role now is as contract administrator, managing the contract between you and the builder to keep the process running smoothly and fairly. We oversee compliance, issue instructions, and handle variations or amendments – a role that’s vital to maintain clarity and keep the project on track.
Through regular site visits, we monitor progress and quality, certify payments, and assess any claims for delays or cost adjustments.
This role is essential in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and a successful project outcome.
At project completion, we certify practical completion, manage defects during the liability period, and – once all obligations are met – issue the final certificate, making sure everything is finished to the highest standard.
Phase three milestone: Overseeing project through to completion.
Once the building process has been completed, we’ll undertake the handover process with you. Here’s where the real adventure begins: living in your new home!
We’ll leave you with a good working knowledge of any technologies or systems that have been installed, so that you can live comfortably – enjoying lower running costs.
Phase four milestone: You’re ready to live in your new home.
We always aim to conclude our projects with some post occupancy evaluation: this is when we check everything is working as planned.
At this point, we would also aim to monitor some environmental factors, and arrange for any system optimisations to be made.
Phase five milestone: Making sure everything is working as planned.
In 2013, we bought a plot of land and started the process of designing and building our own dream home. The award-winning Passivhaus design is in a historical conservation village in central Scotland, and is an exemplar low-energy home. Plus, our cats love it.
Having gone through the process ourselves, we can relate to you – the client – at every step of the way. From finding the right plot and securing consents, all the way down to selecting the perfect light switch. We truly understand the importance of getting it right.
After nearly 20 years in business, and 15 years married, we’re well versed in the collaborative process. It’s our belief that everyone deserves to live in a beautiful, comfortable space that enriches their lives – that’s why we focus our efforts on designing homes, finding inspiration in our Scottish rural surroundings.
Mhairi is an expert in designing energy-efficient homes that are as comfortable as they are sustainable. A certified Passivhaus designer with PHPP Expert qualification, a RIAS Sustainability Accredited Architect, a Living Futures accredited professional, and a Section 6: Energy Assessor for domestic projects, she brings a deep understanding of how to create homes that reduce energy use and maximise comfort.
Whether you’re planning to build a low-energy home or need guidance on energy assessments, Mhairi’s expertise covers everything from hygrothermal analysis to the latest sustainability practices. Beyond her design work, she serves as the RIAS Stirling Chapter vice president and is an active member of the RIAS Sustainability Working Group, helping to shape the future of energy-efficient architecture.
As a specialist in client-focused, bespoke, and sustainable designs, Martin’s extensive time spent on-site has given him invaluable expertise in real-world detailing and construction. With both passion for and understanding of the Passivhaus standard, he makes sure every project is both energy-efficient and built to last.
Martin brings your vision to life through 3D modelling and rendering, providing in-house visualisations that let you see the designs before construction even begins. He also enhances the practice’s energy consultancy services by offering detailed calculations for U-values and condensation risk, making sure every aspect of your project meets the highest performance standards.
