A LUXURY retreat in a Scottish island has won a national award for sustainability.
The Harris Hideaway holiday home in the Isle of Harris won the UK-wide award for best sustainable project in the inaugural Making Better Homes Awards, run by builders’ merchant Jewson.
The property is described as a “Grand Designs-style retreat” with “outstanding eco-credentials and design features” and was applauded by judges for its consideration of the local environment.
The Harris Hideaway won the top spot following a public vote in which thousands of votes were cast.
The home’s developers, A Corner of Eden, said they were “delighted to have been recognised” in the awards.
Debbie Greaves, co-founder of A Corner of Eden alongside her husband Richard, said: “We've worked so hard on this project over the last three years, so it means a lot.
READ MORE: Scottish Parliament declares national housing emergency
“The awards are such a great way to showcase what can be done and let people know that you can build homes in a sustainable way."
Richard added: "Winning feels like a great reward after all the hard work, effort, determination and planning. Hopefully the awards are a source of inspiration for others.
“We hope that we can show that you can build a beautiful home that's sustainable, and a sustainable home that's beautiful."
The Making Better Homes Awards was launched in 2023 to recognise those in the housing industry who are going “above and beyond” to deliver energy efficient, safe and comfortable homes.
There were three awards categories – best use of renewable energy in a project, best building fabric in a project, and sustainable project of the year – which were judged by a panel including representatives from the Federation of Master Builders and charity Band of Builders.
The shortlist was announced in February, with the public asked to decide which of the projects were most worthy of the top prizes.
A Corner of Eden took first place ahead of Greencore Homes, which took second position for its development of four private sale and eight affordable rental homes built in partnership with Hook Norton Community Land Trust (HNCLT) in Oxfordshire.
The Holt Group took third place for the renovation and eco-friendly upgrade of a five-bedroom family home in the Hammersmith area of London.
Matt Handley, category innovation manager at Jewson and a member of the judging panel, said: “Huge congratulations to Debbie and Richard, whose attention to detail and consideration of the local environment stood out amongst the entries in this category.
“The environmental credentials of Harris Hideaway blew each of the judges away, and clearly impressed the public too.
“Its intricate design features, combined with renewable technology and offset with such high quality finishings, mean Harris Hideaway stands out as a special project with local skill at its heart.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here