Kesson Court, Haugh Road

Carefully-considered design and high quality natural materials provide shelter from the elements at a new housing development in Kesson Court, Elgin. Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association engaged Icosis Architects to design a development of 21 two-bed flats including three wheelchair-accessible cottages surrounding a communal landscaped garden.

Natural materials

Morrison Construction were appointed as the main contractor to deliver the project. Having previously experienced flooding from the nearby river, the brief called for a resilient masonry construction on the ground floor, which is softened by the use of highly insulated walls with Russwood SILA Select® Siberian Larch RW014 cladding above, and topped with a sedum roof.

Neatly mitred corners

The cladding is laid with an open-jointed rainscreen and neatly mitred corners, with vertical shadow gaps around each window opening, creating a smooth, streamlined but textured finish that complements the adjacent brickwork. The combination of brick, timber and sedum blankets is highly resilient to heavy rainfall or potential flooding, while the site has been carefully planned to maximise natural light and shade, minimising energy costs and offering a highly desirable shared outdoor space and garden room.

We have worked with Russwood on many projects over the years and again they provided us with both a quality and professional service, offering assistance in the detailing and specification during the design phase, and ultimately with the delivery of a high quality product.

Icosis Architects