Dwelling, landscape and building form an integral part of human identity. Vernacular architecture presents an expression of these relationships and allows for an analysis of the challenges of building in remote locations. Regionally specific structures make it easy to identify a building element and examine how local conditions have caused a particular tradition to emerge and shape its distinctive character. Particularly, the use of locally available materials gives these dwellings a rich architectural value and leads to a complex place identity through reinforcing the relationship between man and nature. In a practical sense, the sourcing of materials within a well-defined, local perimeter leads to a reduction in emissions and costs. As there is evermore emphasis placed on the reduction of carbon emissions and energy consumption in building regulations and planning policies, the consideration of a material’s embodied energy becomes increasingly prevalent. The study of locally available raw materials and their uses applicable to construction can provide insight into the potential of their impact on the sustainable growth of the remote rural community of Knoydart, located on the Scottish West Coast. Whilst the use of local materials is only a small part of a potential solution to enabling community growth in the community of Knoydart, understanding the ecological impacts, in quantifiable terms of embodied energy can contribute to a robust and holistic approach for housing design. This is examined through both the practical realities and theoretical approaches to dwelling, landscape, building and place and forms the basis of the written thesis component. The design portion of this project explores the nature of the semi-detached buildings through studies of the social interaction between dwellings, as well as various arrangements of forms, and draws on contextual influences for scale, materials and proportion. The building occupies the site of an existing post-war, semi-detached building, known locally as the Manitobas, which would be demolished and replaced with the prototype development. Adaptability, future family situations and shared covered space are key design drivers and integral to the project.