COLORADO Construction received a significant £1.696 million contract for building seven affordable, energy-efficient homes in Kirknewton, focusing on community and sustainability.
This initiative goes beyond mere building.
It’s about positively impacting the local community and addressing the needs of those most in need.
A Community-Centric Approach
In a move that diverges from industry norms, Colorado Construction has embraced this opportunity not just for its workload but also for its potential to create lasting change in the community.
The project, totalling nearly £1.7m in value, is funded by the Rural and Islands Housing Fund from the Scottish Government, the Scottish Land Fund, the Ecology Building Society, and Kirknewton Community Development Trust Ltd.
In collaboration with Robertson Architecture & Design, Colorado Construction is transforming a picturesque location in Kirknewton.
Situated between the historic main road to Camps and the iconic Jencks Stones landscape art form, the site represents a blend of natural beauty and community heritage.
The project, which began in July, follows a 43-week timeline to completion.
A key milestone in construction, known as ‘Topping Out,’ marks the completion of the structure and the beginning of focusing on the finishes.
This tradition symbolises the transition from building to inhabiting, mirroring the project’s goal of creating homes that are more than just structures.
Colorado Construction emphasises that this project is a testament to its dedication to ‘Building Excellence, Creating Legacy’ through impactful work.
“We’re not here just to win contracts, as important as that is” said Mark Hamilton, Pre-Construction Director at Colorado. “We always aim to make a difference in the communities our projects are based in. Projects like these are what make all the hard work worth it. From helping to realise the plans of the Volunteers within the Trust to engaging with the local Primary School, it has been very rewarding, especially being within our own West Lothian local.”
These energy-efficient bungalows, built to Passivhaus criteria, mean the lucky inhabitants will benefit from ultra-low utility costs.
The other idea is that Kirknewton residents can downsize.
But critically, they can remain within the township, where their social and support network is.
In turn, their previous residences can become available, allowing new families to upsize or move to the village for the first time, helping to keep it vibrant.
Sharing the Experience with the Next Generation
The site team has visited Kirknewton Primary School twice to give a safety talk and offer insights into the numerous roles available to all in the construction industry.
Those visits have resulted in the children designing safety posters that now adorn the site hoarding and will be followed up with a site visit by the upper school.
Completion is planned for April/May 2024
As Colorado Construction reaches beyond the midway point of this significant project for us, you can follow the progress and witness the positive impact of this development on the Kirknewton community.
Website: www.colorado-group.com
