Bridgend Eco-Bothy

This project was a volunteer-ran design and self-build of a fully-accessible 27sqm Bothy in the old steadings at Bridgend Farmhouse. Sited in the middle of the city, it was made employing natural ecological materials, and techniques. Volunteer trainees gained practical sustainable construction skills and knowledge. The end result is a unique and long-lasting community facility that continues to engage the public with natural building, and outdoor learning. This was a partnership project with Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) who initiated it, supported the original design work with architects and green-builders, and helped organise some of the training courses. The project lasted seven years from the initial community consultation and design days to completion, was organised throughout by a committee of volunteers that met monthly. These collaborative and democratic meetings informed the design and build decisions. The final architectural designs were drawn up by Duncan Roberts, who also led on the timber-frame building. The green build volunteer training for the past five years was delivered by Simon Hackin of Greenworks over the last five years, and previously by Arleen Sinclair and Emma Donnelly. We also had specialist training weekends for lime and clay rendering and straw-bale insulation. Other design input and submissions were provided pro-bono by John Gilbert Architects and Oisa Designs in the early stages. Over the course of the project, more than 100 trainee volunteers were involved in over 250 training days spanning across the seven years. Training topics included laying of pad foundations; timber-frame raising and joinery; lime rendering; clay rendering; green-roof building; sheeps wool insulation; recycled paper floor insulation; plaster-boarding; larch flooring; play area construction; and landscaping. Sustainable materials were predominantly from Edinburgh & the Borders, and clay from Bridgend itself. Twenty-four volunteers attained their REHIS formal qualification in Health and Safety on a construction site and three volunteers attained full-time employment with their certification and experience as a result of their involvement. We added an accompanying Outdoor Play Area and timber-frame compost toilet along with the Bothy to create a unique outdoor education, performance, and events space. We completed and launched the Eco-Bothy and play area on Saturday October 8th 2022. It has already become a base for the Very Inclusive Play Club for under 5s with additional support needs, Trees and Seas Outdoor Adventures, after-school clubs and Additional Support for Learning with the local high schools (Castlebrae and Liberton), with many other groups interested.