Moray Council: Architects picked to design 24 'smart homes' near Forres

A contract has been awarded to design the state-of-the-art housing development near Forres.

The 24 new 'smart homes' at Dallas Dhu will be built as a part of a wider £7.5million partnership between Moray Council and the Scottish Government.

The vision of the so-called Housing Mix Delivery project is to deliver energy-efficient housing with outdoor space to encourage physical activity and growing food.

Robin Livingstone is a director at Fraser/Livingstone Architects, the company that's been awarded the contract.

He said: "Our ambition is to draw inspiration from both the extraordinary built fabric of the nearby Altyre Estate, as well as the type of developments in the burgh towns and coastal settlements of Moray and Aberdeenshire.

"Alongside the masterplanning work, the first phase of 24 affordable homes will be delivered using innovative design and construction methods, as well as digital health and care innovation to support people remaining independent in their own homes.

"The pilot project will also include enabling the development of 20 serviced plots for innovative housing or self-building projects. We look forward to working with the team to bring this exciting new development to Moray."

Marc Macrae, who chairs Moray Council’s economic development committee, said: "Dallas Dhu presents an opportunity to create a sustainable new community for the people of Forres. It will lead a transition to net zero through the provision of smart homes based on citizen wellbeing."

Cllr Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative) added: "I look forward to seeing the innovative designs come to life."

Moray Council is investing £2.5million in the Housing Delivery Mix project which is aiming to build 'smart homes' across Moray.

The other £5million is coming from the Scottish Government as part of its commitment to the Moray Growth Deal.

Neil Gray MSP, the government's Wellbeing Economy Secretary, said: "This project will see more affordable homes being built in an area with significant demand for housing to support the growing local economy.

"It will also see delivery of smart homes in collaboration with the Digital Health project to meet the needs of Moray’s population."

Other parties involved at Dallas Dhu include the Altyre Estate and Grampian Housing Association.

Another partner is the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), which received a further £5million from the growth deal to set up a rural centre of excellence in Moray.

Its aim is to shift the balance of care for patients from the traditional model to one that focuses more on prevention, detection, post-event care and self-management.

Janette Hughes, the DHI's director of planning and performance, said: "We're delighted to be working with this team to ensure we develop smart homes that are fit for the future and can meet the ever-changing needs of residents, with the aim of creating more seamless care."

Craig Stirrat, Grampian Housing Association's CEO, said: "With the threat of global warming and the increasing cost of living, we must ensure that our new affordable homes and places promote a more sustainable lifestyle, where people can safely work, rest and play.

"Starting with a blank sheet allows the partners and the community to deliver something truly inspiring that is sympathetic to both the needs of householders and the environment.

"It will hopefully provide a great legacy for future generations."

Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming, from Altyre Estate, said: "I’m delighted with the progress made by Moray Council in appointing the design team for phase one.

"I look forward to working with them to deliver our shared aspirations."