Affordable Housing, Tomintoul

Affordable Housing, Tomintoul

The detailing and colours of the houses are modern but have traditional proportions. The demolition of a 1960’s school left a gap in the distinctive gridded street pattern of Tomintoul, and new houses complete the street scene on Main Street.

The houses feature photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps and innovative thermal energy stores, and all houses feature electric vehicle charging points. The landscaping scheme is carefully considered to enhance the biodiversity of the site. Some houses are designed as live-work units to encourage home working and provide opportunities for the creation of new rural businesses.

Design Concept

The traditionally proportioned houses have open plan living spaces with carefully positioned windows, creating sunny spaces with long vistas to the landscaped setting and a feeling of spaciousness. Semi-detached houses are deliberately asymmetrical and use distinctive colours to give each house its own character and foster a sense of personal ownership, while creating a visually cohesive whole.

Planning Application

Submitted in February 2021 and granted unanimously by the planning committee in May. CNPA planning committee convener Dr Gaener Rodger commented: “I am delighted to be able to support this application for 100 per cent affordable housing in Tomintoul. The Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust is to be congratulated on the work it has done in securing funds and now planning permission for this project which will be of huge benefit to the local community.”

Building Standards

Submitted May 2021

Obstacles Overcome

Creating an attractive setting and safe family living environment on a tight budget and on a constrained site which is compatible with the outstanding protected natural and historic environment of the Cairngorms National Park.

Construction/Materials

Materials are chosen to allow cost effective construction of these affordable homes while avoiding repetition and bland, faceless appearance common in many social housing projects.

Structural Engineer

Fairhurst

Main Contractor

Alpha Projects

Key Features

• New affordable rural homes
• Biodiversity
• Low-energy, low-carbon design
• Modern design, vernacular proportions
• Home zone
• Open Plan Living