Skye based house builder R.House has launched its largest multi-unit development to date with four units dedicated to social housing.

Montrose Woods in Auldearn, near Nairn, consists of 17 two to four bedroom energy efficient R.Houses and marks the start of some ambitious expansion plans by the Scottish firm.

Since R.House was established in 2012, the partnership between architects Rural Design and James MacQueen Builders has thrived.

Susan Hallsworth, who was appointed by R.House in January of this year to help develop the R.House business, said: “Until we started this Auldearn project the largest development we had undertaken was at Skye’s Camastianavaig which consisted of five R.Houses. The Montrose Woods development is our first step in taking the R.House and its new concepts for rural living further afield.”

R.House director and architect, Alan Dickson, added: “Our approach to design is crisp and contemporary but grounded in respect for the environment and history of the area. When we created R.House we set out to design homes that look good, are efficient, functional and sustainable. This model can be adapted to rural areas across the Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

A key element of the R.House approach to building is sustainability and energy efficiency. The high levels of insulation and airtightness create savings of up to 50 per cent on fuel bills. This commitment to innovation and the environment was recognised by the prestigious Saltire Award for Innovation in Housing.

Susan said the cost-saving homes could be good news for housing trusts and councils: “R.House has been using pre-fabrication and modular build processes to deliver social housing, providing substantial cost savings to our clients who include councils and housing trusts across the Highlands, Islands and mainland Scotland. We provide affordable, sustainable and high quality housing options in a difficult housing market. Thanks to our expertise in housing design and affordability we are also leading the way in rural design policy, working with a housing trust to develop a residential design guide.”

Examples of R.House social housing can be seen in places such as Plockton, Auldearn nr. Nairn and Edinbane, Skye.