Lochgelly Extra Care Facility

The main challenge for this project was working adjacent to existing Wilson Bruce Court residential building, while ensuring complete safety and minimising disruption. We also made sewer and electrical diversions to facilitate the works.

Design was developed collaboratively to meet the constraints of the site and the technical requirements of the brief as these became apparent. High design quality/details covering housing mix and specific requirements of the Extra Care Facility, accommodating identified building services requirements of the Fife Council technical team.

The project brief requirements have been successfully met, including the incorporation of late changes. Both parties acknowledge the importance of a seamless handover from the pre-construction phase to the operations teams. This transition will be carefully managed, starting from the site initiation and continuing through the early stages of construction to ensure the smoothest possible handoff.

Any identified issues or actions have been addressed promptly and professionally. Both parties recognize, as a valuable lesson learned, that a more clearly defined client brief at an earlier stage could have shortened the pre-construction period.

Robertson Timber Engineering supplied the timber kits used in the construction process. These were efficiently and sustainably manufactured off-site in our specialised factory in Elgin. 

Additionally, we manuifactured and installed insulated precast concrete floor panels to the ground floor of the extra care facility, and a 1-hour fire rating of first floor ceiling, which created a compartment that avoided having to sub-divide the attic space.

The new homes will be energy efficient, including solar panels to help reduce utility costs for tenants. The properties will also meet Scottish Government Sustainability standards, will have an Energy Performance Rating of ‘B’ and fitted with boilers fitted with an EPC rating of ‘A’.

The new homes are designed to Housing for Varying Needs, and Secured by Design standards. Amenity properties will have wet floor showers, and wheelchair properties will have wet floor showers and specially designed kitchens with adjustable worktops. 

The project began with Lochgelly High School, providing work placements and collaborating with DYW to offer pupils an SCQF Level 3 & 4 Certificate in Employability and Skills. 

Additionally, we worked with BRAG Enterprises to provide volunteer hours and employability support. 

The social value we have delivered has had significant tangible outcomes in the local community: 

• £7.5m spent through the contract with local micro, small, and medium enterprises;
• 300 apprenticeship weeks;
• 200 hours of support for unemployed individuals, including career mentoring, mock interviews, CV advice, and guidance;
• 10 weeks of meaningful work placements or pre-employment courses;
• 50 hours of volunteer time for local community projects;
• 120 tonnes in CO2 emissions reduced through decarbonisation efforts.