Howdenburn

Client

Cruden Homes & Scottish Borders Housing Association

Location

Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

Sector

Living

Howdenburn is a 70-home affordable housing development delivered for Scottish Borders Housing Association on the former Howdenburn Primary School site in Jedburgh. Developed in partnership with Cruden Homes, the project transforms a redundant brownfield site into a vibrant new residential neighbourhood centred around strong placemaking and sustainable community design. Retaining mature trees and integrating extensive landscaping and SUDS features, the development creates a welcoming environment that encourages interaction, connectivity and long-term community value.

The Challenge

Located on a constrained brownfield site, the development needed to balance housing density, infrastructure requirements and high-quality amenity space while responding to evolving project priorities and housing needs. The scheme also required careful coordination of levels, drainage, access and public realm to create a cohesive and sustainable residential environment within the site constraints.

howdenburn
howdenburn
howdenburn

Ben Glennon

Associate

Peter Kelly

Technician

James Armstrong

Architectural Assistant

Video Preview

Our Approach

Working closely with SBHA, Cruden Homes and the wider consultant team, the masterplan was designed around a central landscaped green space that forms the heart of the development. Pedestrian-friendly streets, clear route hierarchies and well-defined public spaces promote movement, natural surveillance and community interaction. BIM Level 2 coordination and early contractor engagement supported efficient design development, buildability and cost certainty throughout the project.

The Conclusion

Delivered in phases between 2022 and May 2026, Howdenburn provides 70 high-quality affordable homes within a sustainable and well-connected neighbourhood. Integrated infrastructure, SUDS features and extensive landscape design enhance environmental performance while reinforcing the development’s strong identity and character. The completed scheme now delivers much-needed affordable housing while regenerating underused land and creating long-term social, environmental and economic benefits for Jedburgh and the wider Scottish Borders.

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.

View Full Bio

Peter Kelly

Technician

As a Technician at Aitken Turnbull, Peter brings hands-on expertise and a team-focused approach to every project. With over eight years of industry experience, he’s worked across a wide range of sectors—contributing to everything from small domestic projects to large mixed-use and residential developments. Peter also has valuable experience working with listed buildings and high-end conversions, developing a strong understanding of both contemporary design and sensitive restoration. Since graduating from Edinburgh Napier University in 2016, he’s built a reputation for being thorough, adaptable, and team-focused—helping ensure projects run smoothly from concept through to completion while supporting positive outcomes for both clients and communities.

View Full Bio

James Armstrong

Architectural Assistant

James joined Aitken Turnbull’s Galashiels office in September 2024 after graduating from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) with an M.Arch (Hons). With a keen interest in heritage and conservation, he has contributed to a variety of residential, civic, and heritage projects since starting at AT. James brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his work, balancing creativity with respect for historic contexts. Outside of the practice, he writes for the AHSS Magazine and enjoys sketching, combining his passion for architecture with his artistic talents. James is quickly becoming a valuable member of the team, supporting Aitken Turnbull’s commitment to quality and care in every project.

View Full Bio
James Armstrong
James Armstrong
James Armstrong
Let’s create something
great together