Situated down a private lane on the edge of Loanhead and surrounded by protected Green Belt countryside, Spittal Gardens transformed the former cottage hospital site into an exclusive development of ten detached homes. Constructed using modern closed-panel timber frame technology, the development combined high-quality contemporary design with exceptional energy efficiency and craftsmanship.

Its supremely private setting, together with generous housing plots and mature surroundings, created a unique sense of space, peace and tranquillity rarely found so close to Edinburgh. Carefully designed to complement the natural landscape, the homes appealed to buyers seeking a quieter pace of life without compromising on accessibility, privacy or quality.

Residential Development

Completed: 2021
Client: Ediston Homes

Design & Construction

Spittal Gardens was conceived as an exclusive collection of just nine detached homes, offering a carefully balanced mix of four and five bedroom house types. Rather than maximise density, the development embraced a low volume approach, allowing for generous plots, mature landscaping and a greater sense of privacy, creating a neighbourhood that sits comfortably within its Green Belt setting.

From the outset, the development was guided by a sustainable design philosophy. Long before energy efficient construction became an industry standard, every aspect of the design and build process was considered to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the comfort and wellbeing of homeowners. The homes were designed to significantly exceed the Building Standards of the day, combining advanced construction methods with timeless architecture to create properties that remain highly relevant today.

Central to the construction was Eskgrove’s use of an advanced closed panel timber frame system. Manufactured to exacting tolerances, the system delivered exceptional levels of thermal performance, airtightness and acoustic insulation, resulting in homes that are warmer, quieter and considerably more energy efficient than many traditionally built properties. The precision engineering also reduced construction waste and improved overall build quality.

The external materials palette was selected not only for its appearance but for its longevity and low maintenance credentials. A high performance PAR render system was chosen as a contemporary alternative to traditional cement render, offering superior weather resistance, excellent waterproofing properties and enhanced flexibility to minimise cracking over time. Its improved resistance to freeze and thaw cycles makes it particularly well suited to the Scottish climate, ensuring the homes continue to look exceptional for years to come.

Roofs were finished using natural blue black clay tiles rather than conventional precast concrete alternatives. Beyond their elegant appearance, clay tiles offer outstanding durability, colour retention and longevity, often lasting for generations while requiring minimal maintenance. Their natural character complements the surrounding landscape and reinforces the premium quality of the development.

Architectural timber detailing was equally carefully considered. The homes feature Canjaere Classic pre finished timber cladding, an innovative treated softwood product that delivers the performance characteristics typically associated with hardwood. The specialist treatment process significantly improves water resistance and dimensional stability, reducing movement and extending the lifespan of the cladding while maintaining a refined natural appearance.

Ahead of its time in terms of renewable technology, Spittal Gardens also incorporated air source heat pumps as the primary heating source. At a time when conventional gas and electric systems dominated the market, this represented a forward thinking approach to sustainable living. By extracting renewable energy from the outside air, the system requires only a fraction of the electricity needed by traditional heating methods, delivering energy savings of up to 70 per cent while reducing carbon emissions and future running costs for homeowners.

The result is a development where architecture, construction and sustainability work together seamlessly. Spittal Gardens demonstrates that high quality craftsmanship and environmental responsibility need not come at the expense of beautiful design, creating homes that remain as impressive today as they were when first built.