Winner of the Scottish Rural Innovators award for Housing, 2016, and the SURF Sustainability award for Housing in 2017. Shortlisted for the Structural Timber Awards in the Social Housing Project of the Year category, 2018.

In 2010, the Ulva Ferry community on the west coast of Mull was under threat of losing its primary school and community centre due to population decline, caused by a lack of affordable housing options. This project, a joint venture between the Ulva School Community Association and Mull and Iona Community Trust, sought to sustain the community by providing two three-bedroom rental homes, giving priority to young families.

Our aim was to create modern, comfortable, and bright affordable family housing, with low heating bills to combat fuel poverty and thermally robust construction to prevent dampness and mould in this high humidity location. We used cross-laminated timber construction for its quick build time, thermal performance, and natural airtight, thermal bridge-free detailing. Both houses have a heat recovery and ventilation system ensuring a constant supply of fresh, pre-heated air.

The houses, designed with Passive House principles, are featured in Issue 23 of Passive House Plus Magazine and as part of this case study of off-site construction for housing delivery in Scotland by Architecture and Design Scotland.

Photography: Johnny Barrington