British Kingdom Scoops Prestigious Award for Eco-Friendly Development in Gauldry

Kingdom Housing Association has been recognised for its outstanding work in sustainable affordable housing development. The prestigious Best Affordable Housing Development award (less than £10m) was presented to Kingdom for its Balgove Road project in Gauldry, Fife.

The Balgove Road development consists of 30 new homes for social rent, all built to Passivhaus and net zero carbon standards. This project stands as Kingdom’s largest green development in Fife, showcasing their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Passivhaus standard, an internationally renowned approach to home design, focuses on utilising natural elements such as sunlight, shade, and ventilation to regulate indoor temperatures efficiently. Homes built to this standard consume minimal energy compared to conventional designs, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

Tom Barclay, the Chief Executive of Kingdom group, accepted the award at the prestigious UK-wide Inside Housing Development Awards 2024. In his acceptance speech, Barclay highlighted the collaborative effort between Kingdom, Campion Homes, Fife Council, and the Scottish Government in delivering this innovative project.

Barclay stated, “The Balgove Road development brings modern, stylish, and highly energy-efficient affordable homes to an area of Fife with a pressing need for housing. These homes are not just built for now but are designed to meet the future requirements of residents, seamlessly blending into the village while positively impacting the community.”

Emphasising the environmental benefits of the Passivhaus homes, Barclay noted the reduced energy consumption resulting in lower fuel costs for residents, especially crucial during the current cost of living challenges.

The housing mix at Balgove Road includes family homes, cottage flats, and amenity bungalows, all strategically positioned to offer residents easy access to green spaces and the countryside. This thoughtful placement aims to enhance the well-being of the community, promoting a harmonious blend of rural living with communal amenities.

Kingdom’s success at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2024 underscores the importance of sustainable, affordable housing solutions in addressing the growing demand for energy-efficient homes. The Balgove Road project serves as a beacon of inspiration for future developments, setting a high standard for green construction practices in the affordable housing sector.