East Haugh
Client
Hudson Hirsel
Location
Birgham, Scottish Borders
Sector
Living
The Challenge
The brief required individually designed, high-quality homes that respected Birgham’s character despite the absence of a clear vernacular. The site’s edge-of-village location demanded a sensitive layout that enhanced place identity, maximised sunlight, and integrated with the rural setting, while meeting high environmental performance targets and accommodating renewable energy solutions without mains gas.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Our Approach
Drawing inspiration from a neighbouring steading conversion by the same developer, the masterplan used a “Designing Streets” approach to create permeable movement, distinctive spaces, and a pedestrian-friendly shared surface without footpaths. Traditional proportions, natural slate, stonework, and self-coloured render were combined with high insulation, airtightness, and south-facing living spaces to optimise comfort and efficiency.
Renewables were embraced through integrated PV panels, air source heat pumps, and optional Tesla battery storage. Boundaries featured salvaged stone, hedging, and indigenous planting to support biodiversity and soften the built form, ensuring the development sits naturally within its rural setting.
The Solution
East Haugh successfully combines traditional rural character with modern performance and sustainability. By blending context-sensitive design, quality craftsmanship, and renewable technologies, the development delivers homes of lasting value while enhancing Birgham’s sense of place, reinforcing Aitken Turnbull’s and Hudson Hirsel’s reputation for thoughtful, high-quality residential design.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
Ben Glennon
Associate
Ben plays a key role at Aitken Turnbull as Associate and leader of the Living Team, bringing strong design leadership, project management, and technical expertise throughout every stage of a project. With over 10 years at the practice, he has created award-winning designs that balance innovation, sustainability, and a genuine focus on community needs. Ben’s proactive, collaborative approach helps ensure projects not only meet client goals but also positively impact the places and people they serve. Passionate about community-led initiatives, he works closely with local groups to develop thoughtful, meaningful design solutions that truly make a difference.
great together