This new-build business unit development on the Isle of Benbecula, for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, responds to a pressing local need for high quality business accommodation. It provides12 individual units for rent, in four single storey buildings, sited in Balivanich, close to Benbecula Airport.

Fraser Architecture was commissioned by HIE early on, to carry out a feasibility study and detailed community engagement, assessing local need and demand, evaluating site options and providing concept designs. We were subsequently commissioned to provide lead the design team for both phases of the project.

The development, on a brown-field site, provides office / light industrial premises - two units of 30sqm and three of 60 sqm. The interiors have a simple open plan layout, with plenty of natural light and a degree of flexibility in door and window configuration on the larger units; an industrial sectional door or full-height window option, depending on use.

The site presented constraints and opportunities; proximity to the airport brought stringent height restrictions, while its location on the Airport road provides excellent visibility to passing traffic.

Aesthetically the restrained palette of materials and colours is designed to reflect the buildings’ light industrial function within their rural coastal setting.

Building in such an exposed location demanded attention to detail to achieve best value in both capital expenditure and costs in use. The use of a Trespa Pura cladding system and colour-coated aluminium sinusoidal roof finish ensures that the buildings will have low future maintenance requirements.

They are designed with a breathable wall construction achieving very low U-values and a thermal performance which well-exceeds the Building Standards requirements for commercial premises.