Argyll – Fyne Homes

StoRend Cote is the chosen render system for the UK’s first social housing PassivHaus development, certified by the Scottish Passive House Centre. The ‘Tigh-Na-Cladach’ or ‘house by the shore’ development consists of 15 one, two and three bedroom semi-detached houses and one workshop, each with its own unique Sto colour, overlooking the Firth of Clyde in Dunoon.

Designed by Professor Gokay Deveci of Robert Gordon University, the affordable, low energy housing scheme has been developed by Fyne Initiatives; the commercial subsidiary of Argyll based Housing Association, Fyne Homes. Ideal for this application, the weather-resistant, cost effective and through coloured render is available in 800 colours from the StoColor System, and allows for each home to have its own identity.

Professor Deveci explains, “The design typology of this development is that of a typical fishing village in the West coast of Scotland, in response to the place and context, whilst respecting both contemporary and traditional Scottish architecture. This development demonstrates that it is possible to design practical, energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing social housing. The design of these buildings is not compromised by the fact that they are ‘affordable homes’.

“Although traditional homes in fishing villages would be painted white, I used a range of contrasting colours to create a sense of vitality and a strong sense of place, adding a richness to the waterfront village. I was very keen that everyone gets their own individual colour to assign an identity.”

Professor Deveci continues, “I required a contemporary, smooth finish and knew that the Sto render system would provide this. It has a wonderful texture and a sharp finish. The system was also coated with StoLotusan to prevent moss from growing on the building.”

Each home has been designed to run at one tenth of an average home’s energy requirement. Sold as shared equity housing, with first time buyers purchasing between 51-80%, the rest is owned by the housing association, Fyne Homes. Each home has been occupied since the end of May 2010.”