A LUXURY retreat in a Scottish island has won a national award for sustainability.
The Harris Hideaway holiday home in the Isle of Harris won the UK-wide award for best sustainable project in the inaugural Making Better Homes Awards, run by builders’ merchant Jewson.
The property is described as a “Grand Designs-style retreat” with “outstanding eco-credentials and design features” and was applauded by judges for its consideration of the local environment.
The Harris Hideaway won the top spot following a public vote in which thousands of votes were cast.
The home’s developers, A Corner of Eden, said they were “delighted to have been recognised” in the awards.
Debbie Greaves, co-founder of A Corner of Eden alongside her husband Richard, said: “We've worked so hard on this project over the last three years, so it means a lot.
“The awards are such a great way to showcase what can be done and let people know that you can build homes in a sustainable way."
Richard added: "Winning feels like a great reward after all the hard work, effort, determination and planning. Hopefully the awards are a source of inspiration for others.
“We hope that we can show that you can build a beautiful home that's sustainable, and a sustainable home that's beautiful."
The Making Better Homes Awards was launched in 2023 to recognise those in the housing industry who are going “above and beyond” to deliver energy efficient, safe and comfortable homes.
There were three awards categories – best use of renewable energy in a project, best building fabric in a project, and sustainable project of the year – which were judged by a panel including representatives from the Federation of Master Builders and charity Band of Builders.
The shortlist was announced in February, with the public asked to decide which of the projects were most worthy of the top prizes.
A Corner of Eden took first place ahead of Greencore Homes, which took second position for its development of four private sale and eight affordable rental homes built in partnership with Hook Norton Community Land Trust (HNCLT) in Oxfordshire.
The Holt Group took third place for the renovation and eco-friendly upgrade of a five-bedroom family home in the Hammersmith area of London.
Matt Handley, category innovation manager at Jewson and a member of the judging panel, said: “Huge congratulations to Debbie and Richard, whose attention to detail and consideration of the local environment stood out amongst the entries in this category.
“The environmental credentials of Harris Hideaway blew each of the judges away, and clearly impressed the public too.
“Its intricate design features, combined with renewable technology and offset with such high quality finishings, mean Harris Hideaway stands out as a special project with local skill at its heart.”
