An ambitious proposal to create 15 homes using energy-saving materials has been submitted to the local authority.
Annie Kenyon Architects Ltd want to create the homes on empty farmland at Mains of Carnousie, near Turriff.
If approved, the homes would create a tiny community close to existing woodland and the B-listed Mains of Carnousie steading.
And the Insch-based architecture firm has said the homes created will be “highly sustainable”.
It is proposed that the walls of each home will be insulated, and each property could be powered with solar energy and a biomass boiler.
But in a design statement submitted to Aberdeenshire Council alongside the proposal, a spokeswoman said it would be up to each home owner to decide on which renewable power sources they wish to incorporate to their property.
A demonstration home, however is proposed to highlight the advantages of a renewable approach.
“It is anticipated that interested parties might be encouraged to follow the example of the demonstration house,” she added.
“It is hoped that the energy efficient, environmentally friendly design can provide a model for rural housing in Scotland, supplemented by recycling and bike storage.
“The design of the new housing in the enabling development responds to the regional Scottish vernacular style and traditional construction methods. The intention is to create a group of houses which have the character of a rural estate.”
Money generated from the sale of the homes is expected to be funnelled into projects to restore the Mains of Carnousie steading, which is currently on the buildings at risk register.
The steading was built in the 18th century by General Patrick Duff of Carnousie Castle.
