Tucked away into the rural landscape of Lucklawhill, Fife, Mr. Mike Alcock’s self-built eco-home stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when passion for sustainability meets practical innovation. Over seven years, Mike, alongside his daughter Frankie and her partner Rowan, transformed a derelict agricultural building into a warm, healthy and efficient home using natural materials, self-learned techniques and renewable energy solutions supplied by The Natural Energy Company.
A Lifetime of Sustainable Thinking
Mike’s background in agriculture and recycling naturally influenced his approach to this build. Having worked in the recycling industry for over two decades, sustainability wasn’t just an ambition, it was a mindset. When he purchased the disused “but and ben” structure, it was on the verge of collapse. Instead of tearing it down, Mike saw an opportunity to repurpose it into something future-proof.
“We used sheep’s wool for insulation, lime instead of cement and natural hemp in the plaster. These materials are better for the environment and healthier to live with.”
The project wasn’t about shortcuts. Every decision was deliberate, from retaining the building’s character (as required by planning) to designing the home to passive house standards (without formal accreditation).
Energy-Efficient by Design
Given the building’s superior insulation and natural thermal performance, the team at The Natural Energy Company recommended one of the smallest available air source heat pumps, the Daikin Altherma 3, paired with underfloor heating. The system integrated seamlessly and delivered consistent warmth through a winter that dropped to -10°C.
“The house holds heat incredibly well. The heat pump barely has to work.”
From the start, Mike had envisioned solar PV and battery storage as part of the plan. While there was some back and forth about how best to mount the panels, a collaborative solution was reached. Rather than using pre-cast ground buckets, the panels were installed on low-profile steel posts, providing a clean look that respected the garden and the views from the house.
“We’re really pleased with the final setup. It looks much better than we originally imagined.”
Honesty, Expertise and Unexpected Savings
One of the standout moments for Mike came early in the contracting stage. After agreeing to move forward, The Natural Energy Company contacted him with a price update, not to raise costs, but to lower them.
“Richard told me the price had come down due to falling costs in batteries and solar panels. That level of honesty is rare these days and we really appreciated it.”
Throughout the project, Mike’s team maintained a hands-on approach, learning everything they could along the way, from YouTube tutorials to late-night troubleshooting. Though it wasn’t always easy, the end result is a home that reflects deep care, curiosity and environmental awareness.
A Home for Today and Tomorrow
Now looking to switch to Octopus Energy’s smart tariff and eventually add an electric vehicle, the system is positioned to offer even greater energy independence. For Mike, the project wasn’t just about lowering his bills or embracing a trend, it was about legacy.
“A lot of people say, ‘We won’t be here long enough for it to matter.’ But I ask them—do you have children? Grandchildren? Then it does matter.”
He encourages anyone curious about building or retrofitting an efficient home to come and see the house for themselves.
“I’m always happy to show people around. This place has been a labour of love and now, it’s a warm, low-cost, low-impact home. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
