The NearHome project is helping retrofit public spaces into sustainable office alternatives, reflecting the changing working habits of a post-pandemic.
The toolkit centres around a kit-of-parts structure that can be installed quickly and with minimal interference to the building’s external fabric. It offers a solution for buildings that have previously been considered too difficult or costly to retrofit. Sustainability is at the core of design, with a kit made from Scottish timber that can be easily deconstructed and re-used if required.
The project originated as a challenge set by Transport Scotland to facilitate the creation of 20 minute neighbourhoods, as outlined by plans from Government.
The project brought together a team of collaborators including: 2 innovation centres, 3 universities and many Scottish-based SMEs to deliver an unprecedented combination of cutting edge digital technology, modern construction methods and social-value oriented design.
A physical demonstrator using the design along with a digital preview of the toolkit’s interface was on display publicly for the first time at BE-ST during BE@COP26.
Ecosystems Technologies then went onto build a full demonstrator unit using the NearHome design tool kit.
Project partners
