1 - 21 St Cuthberts
Bonnyrigg, UK
project overview
A thoughtful and sustainable supported living development with a community focus
Located in the heart of Bonnyrigg’s town centre sits the new, single-tenancy residential development, comprising a total of 20 apartments, catering for both over 55’s and people living with learning disabilities. Through sensitive and considerate design choices, 1 - 21 St Cuthberts will enable its residents to lead safe, healthy and independent lives within a community environment.
As part of our client, Midlothian Council’s ambitious goal to reach net zero by 2023, the supported living accommodation is certified Passivhaus Classic standard. A significant step in minimising environmental impact whilst ensuring residents live comfortably without the added stress of energy consumption.
Inside, each room is designed with plenty of space to easily adapt in the future, catering to people’s changing and varying needs.
Neighbourhood planning has been greatly considered to support sustainable communities and enhance connectivity. Taking inspiration from the ’20-minute neighborhood’ approach, the homes sit within walking distance to healthcare facilities, shops, supermarkets and convenient transport links, providing residents with full access to everything they need to live good and full lives.
From the start, our goal has always been to not only shape a space that meets the practical needs of residents but to truly enrich their lives. This project is about fostering independence, dignity and a sense of belonging for people with learning disabilities in the heart of their community.”
Louise Smith
Project Architectproject aims
Where independence, community and health and wellbeing is prioritised
This carefully designed housing development plays a crucial role in expanding the range of housing options available to people with learning disabilities in Midlothian, directly contributing to key strategic outcomes for the area.
By providing supportive and accessible homes, the development helps shape a healthy lifestyle where individuals can enjoy the highest attainable standards of living, health and family life.
Our design ensures that residents are treated with dignity and respect, safeguarded from neglect, exploitation and abuse. It also empowers people with learning disabilities to live independently within the community, with equal access to all aspects of society.
before and after
Delivering on inclusive housing for Bonnyrigg
1 - 21 St Cuthberts’ journey embodies a thoughtful and sustainable approach, creating adaptable, supportive housing designed to foster independence, community and wellbeing while contributing to Midlothian Council’s net zero ambitions.
design concept
Empowering residents through supportive, adaptable housing
For resident comfort and to avoid sensory overload, we selected a simple palette of materials for the interior design. This also provides residents the opportunity to decorate their space as they wish, giving them greater choice, control and confidence within their living environments.
The external site benefits from a brick colour throughout, helping to gracefully blend into its surrounding buildings. Importantly, the scheme then becomes indistinguishable from regular market housing by avoiding institutional features whilst enhancing the character of the local area.
sustainability
A Passivhaus Classic certified development
Our design prioritises creating a comfortable and sustainable living environment that benefits both residents and the community. By minimising environmental impact, we ensure that these homes are not only welcoming and adaptable but also future-proofed for the long term.
In today’s current climate, we have ensured that the homes are both affordable to live in and are environmentally responsible. To make life easier for residents, our design integrates high levels of energy efficiency to help reduce fuel costs.
To ensure a comfortable living environment, our design includes Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) units to provide a constant flow of fresh air within each home, which also works to retain energy that has already been used.
The whole scheme moves away from fossil fuels, benefitting from a fully electric approach, with thanks to electric charging bays, and infrastructure for future provisions, as well as photovoltaic panels.
key information
Project summary
Location
Bonnyrigg, EH19 2DB
Client
Midlothian Council
Value
£4.4m
Includes
8 assisted living apartments
12 over 55’s apartments
Environmental
Passivhaus Classic Standard
U values
Wall - 0.102 W/(m²K)
Timber-Brick - 0.116 W/(m²K)
Timber-Cladding - 0.124 W/(m²K)
Block-Brick - 0.190 W/(m²K)
Block-Cladding - 0.190 W/(m²K)
Roof - 0.074 W/(m²K)
Floor - 0.097 W/(m²K)
Contact
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