The 56,000 acre Galson Estate in the very North-West of Lewis was purchased by the community in January 2007 to be managed by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG) – the Galson Estate Trust. The Trust has wasted no time in setting about improving conditions in the area with initiatives to increase tourism and access to education in particular, taking into account the unique social, cultural and environmental heritage of the area.

Following a competitive interview process, Locate were appointed to work with the Galson Estate Trust to prepare plans for a new Office building for the Trust along with further offices to rent for local small businesses, a Crofting Archive / Meeting Area, and a Local Food and Produce Retail space. It is hoped that the facilities can act as something of a “hub” for the local area.

Working with Cost Consultants Ralph Ogg & Partners and local Engineer Malcolm MacIver, Locate are currently preparing tender documentation (July 2010) with a view to starting on site in the Autumn and completing in Spring 2011.

The proposed building has been specified to very high levels of energy efficiency, with good thermal insulation complemented by good airtightness benchmarks, this has resulted in a modelled EPC rating of ‘A’ and a modelled consumption of energy of 59kWh/sq.m/yr. The heating is to be provided by a Ground Source Heat Pump supplied by a 6kW ‘Proven’ wind turbine and the building is to be supplied by balanced heat recovery ventilation.

As well as ensuring the building performs well in energy terms, care has been taken to consider issues of health in the building with attention to natural finishes and avoidance of known risks. The issue of resource use has also been addressed to ensure, for example, that most of the building by volume could be safely biodegradable at the end of its service life.

view larger image