A new project to bring sustainable, affordable housing to Glenmore 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: "The site, the former campsite shower block, was sold to Albyn 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."

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Most of the building materials are environmentally friendly and from British sources, while the design incorporates ecological features like high-level insulation, multi-fuel stove heating for main rooms, rainwater harvesting. 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, 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. 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.

(GK/JM)