Ulva Ferry Community Housing

In 2010, the Ulva Ferry Community found itself under threat of losing its primary school, due to a long term population decline brought about by the lack of affordable housing options for young people. This project, a joint venture between the Ulva Ferry School Community Association and Mull and Iona Community Trust has provided two three-bedroom family homes to support the school and  community.

Our brief in consultation with USCA and the wider community was to cater for the very specific needs of a rural family, such as provision for home working, increased storage, and the difficulties associated with damp and fuel poverty.

The houses were designed using fabric first Passive House principles with a cross-laminated timber structure allowing generous internal volumes, great levels of airtightness, and continuous insulation. This thermally robust construction, along with modest north, east and west glazing, and compact services, means that the houses achieve AECB Silver certification.

Heating for the houses is provided by a single storage heater in the main living space, along with a heated towel rail in the bathroom; and hot water is provided by solar thermal panels with an electrical back-up in the winter.

We placed emphasis on the kitchen, dining, and living space as the heart of family life, and a strong connection is made between the living spaces, the garden, and the landscape beyond.

The homes have traditional private north facing elevations, as seen from the road, and large areas of triple glazing to the south. Cladding is sourced from a vernacular palette of Scottish larch and corrugated metal and takes president from the colours of the sea.