BROOMLANDS HOUSING

Location: Kelso, Scottish Borders

Client: Eildon Housing Association

Programme: Completed 2009

A total of 38 houses were developed for Eildon Housing Association. The mixed development of private sale and rented homes was designed with an intentionally urban atmosphere, as a small settlement of family housing in a rural context.

The main entrance into the site is marked by an existing mature beech tree and an open landscaped area. This integrates the development with the mature woodland within the existing local landscape. The layout is organised around three courtyards each with its own individual character, promoting usable family spaces and security. The houses provide natural surveillance for the open outdoor spaces while views and connections to the woodland are maximised.

The site is comprised of predominately two storey, dual aspect housing, orientated to make best use of natural solar gain. All houses have front and rear gardens, organised in a semi private manner to the front and private to the rear. In response to the gently sloping site, a one and a half storey dormer house type was introduced, allowing a continuous ridge line and providing a strong visual aesthetic.

The houses are simple and well proportioned, based on traditional local forms. The elevations are designed as a contemporary interpretation of regional characteristics with specific key gable elevations part clad in timber in reference to the woodland context.