CALA Homes has been selected through a unique competition as only one of 30 architects and developers to develop an environmentally friendly and bespoke housing design in Inverness.

The competition, run in conjunction with the Royal Institute of Architects Scotland (RIAS), is part of the Highland Housing Fair, an ambitious two-year venture to create a modern, sustainable and innovative development of 27 homes at Balvonie on the southern fringes of Inverness.

CALA’s ‘green’ home will feature a number of innovations, including Energyflo dynamic insulation – recently piloted at the housebuilder’s Arboretum development in Balerno – which dramatically reduces heat loss and improves indoor air quality.


In addition, the house will have a borehole water supply for use in a grey water recycling system, as well as a system to harvest rainwater. The home’s fabric will be made of sustainable and locally sourced building materials, and it will have triple glazing and insulated shutters which will close off roof lights at night, reducing the area of the house to be kept warm.

The unique design will also aim to contribute to the health and wellbeing of those living the home – with 80% of working places in the living areas having a view of the sky.

Outside a garden will have wild meadow grasses to encourage new wildlife habitats.

Gerry More, Managing Director of CALA Homes (East) Limited said: “We are delighted to have been selected to take part in this unique development, which will be at the forefront of developing innovative and sustainable housing.

“We have incorporated a number of sustainable features within our designs – from systems such as the breathable insulation which focus on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs – while at the same maximising natural light and ensuring that the surrounding garden is a haven for wildlife.”

(CD)