Twechar Canalside Housing

The Twechar Canalside Housing project delivers fifteen homes targeting Passivhaus certification in the former mining village of Twechar, situated between Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth. Located alongside the historic Forth & Clyde Canal, the development comprises a carefully considered mix of one- and two-bedroom cottage flats and three- and four-bedroom houses, two of which are wheelchair accessible, arranged as three terraced blocks. Responding to Twechar’s rich historical context, including the nearby Antonine Wall and Bar Hill Roman Fort, the design and planning process included extensive consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Canals and the Planning Authority. Heritage Impact and Archaeology Desk-Based Assessments ensured the scheme was sensitive to the site’s cultural significance.

The linear site presented several challenges, including steep gradients, existing mature trees, and a neighbouring field drain that needed to be retained. A substantial 3 to 4.3-metre-high retaining wall was introduced to manage level changes and mitigate flood risk, while upgrades to road access, landscaping and new pedestrian routes have helped to embed the homes within their rural setting. Designed in accordance with East Dunbartonshire Council’s Housing Design Guide and Housing for Varying Needs standards, the homes prioritise accessibility, usability and energy efficiency. Targeting the Passivhaus standard, they offer exceptional thermal comfort, very low energy demand and contribute to the council’s goal of providing sustainable, future-proof housing.

The architecture draws inspiration from traditional Scottish rural buildings, reinterpreting familiar forms such as symmetrical rooflines with a contemporary expression. Integrated photovoltaic panels, carefully proportioned gables, and shared design elements with the adjacent Outdoor Pursuit Centre—including unified roof forms and optimised window placement—create visual harmony across the canal-side setting. Located alongside National Cycle Route 754, the homes promote active travel and connect with Scotland’s wider cycling infrastructure. Together, these 15 homes form a forward-looking, resilient rural community rooted in heritage and place.

Project Team:
East Dunbartonshire Council – Client
Morgan Sindall – Design Team Manager & Contractor
ECD Architects – Architect
MBLA – Landscape Architect
Curtins – Structural & Civil Engineer
Hawthorne Boyle – M&E Engineer