A new project to bring sustainable, affordable housing to Glenmore in Scotland has started
on site in Cairngorms National Park.
Two timber houses, designed by John Gilbert Architects for Albyn Housing Society
Ltd, will provide new homes and employment for local people. The project, in
partnership with the Forestry Commission, is a pilot scheme to maximise the use of
Scottish timber and sustainable materials for social housing.
Albyn Housing Society programme co-ordinator Helen Cameron said: “We are
delighted that this project is underway. The site, the former campsite shower block,
was sold to Albyn Housing Society by the Forestry Commission under the Forest
Land Scheme – an initiative which enables forestry land to be released for affordable
housing. The project will deliver two sensitively-designed homes which will be
economical to heat and run, which is so critical given current energy costs.”
Most of the building materials are environmentally friendly and from British sources,
while the house design incorporates ecological features such as high-level
insulation, multi-fuel stove heating for main rooms, rainwater harvesting. In addition,
the windows are positioned to make the best use of natural sunlight and the view of
surrounding woodland area.
Project architect Matt Bridgestock, from John Gilbert Architects, said: “The main aim is
to build functional and robust social housing, with the maximum use of Scottish
timber and minimising the amount of energy and carbon emissions throughout the
build and occupation.
“Developing markets and products for Scottish timber has a much wider social and
economic agenda, providing investment and regeneration across the Highlands of
Scotland.”
The timber structure is built to be in keeping with the architecture of Glenmore, as
seen on the adjacent campsite and visitors’ centre. These houses are specifically
designed to the context of the location and have high aspirations to be a benchmark
for design and sustainability in the Cairngorms National Park.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) approved the project based on the
quality and strong sustainability goals of the development. CNPA planning officer
Neil Stewart said: “The proposal is for much-needed, affordable housing in a
relatively accessible location and with a sympathetic approach to what is a difficult
site. This is an exemplar project that sets a desirable precedent for similar
affordable housing developments.”
New, native trees will be mixed with the existing mature trees to create a cohesive
canopy around the clearing, thus maintaining the forest setting.
Bob McIntosh, Director of Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "The project with the
Albyn Housing Society is a great example of how the National Forest Estate, through
the National Forest Land Scheme, can help to improve the quality of life and well-
being of people across Scotland.
"The project is doubly important because as well as providing local people with
affordable and efficient housing it will also highlight the important contribution
Scotland’s home-grown timber can make towards sustainable construction."
