Projects

AFFORDABLE HOUSING – ORMISTON, EAST LOTHAIN COUNCIL  

Commissioned by East Lothian Council, this project delivers 37 high-quality affordable homes for social rent, including two wheelchair-accessible bungalows. ASSIST Design acted as Design Team Leader, Architect, Principal Designer, and Energy Assessor, providing continuity from concept through delivery under a Design & Build contract.

The development is arranged around shared surface courts and a central green, creating a strong sense of arrival and encouraging safe, pedestrian-friendly movement through the site. A key design driver was balancing vehicular access with a pedestrian through-route linking the surrounding community to the countryside beyond, while ensuring privacy, security, and passive surveillance for residents. Enclosed rear gardens, reduced front privacy strips, and carefully considered soft landscaping contribute to a calm, sociable environment.

Architecturally, the scheme uses a restrained and durable palette that responds to the local context. Cream wet-dash render is complemented by stone cladding at key vistas and focal points, while roofs are finished in fibre cement slates with slim verge detailing. Dark grey painted timber windows and doors provide contrast and coherence across the development, supported by a high-quality hard landscaping strategy designed for longevity and ease of maintenance.

All homes are designed to barrier-free and Lifetime Homes standards, with future adaptability built in. Living spaces are predominantly oriented north–south to maximise daylight and passive solar gain, with flexible layouts that accommodate home working. Sustainability was central to the design, with super-insulated building fabric, enhanced airtightness, low-energy ventilation, and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels contributing to reduced energy demand and carbon emissions. The development achieved Silver Active Standard, exceeding Scottish Building Standards for thermal performance.

Delivered on budget despite programme challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, the project demonstrates ASSIST Design’s experience in delivering robust, sustainable, and well-designed affordable housing that supports long-term social value.