COP26, Transforming Timber Initiative

The Transforming Timber initiative is led by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) with support from Innovate UK, Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh, Ecosystems Technologies, SNRG and BSW Timber. The project involves creating the first two-storey modular home manufactured from Scottish Mass Timber which is being displayed during COP26 at CSIC.

As part of this collaborative research and development project, our client, Ecosystems Technologies, has manufactured the duplex demonstrator to help the wider team provide the construction industry with the evidence and business case for bringing homegrown mass timber construction into the mainstream.

Our core values, closely aligned with the values of Ecosystems Technologies, and we have been exploring over many months how we can collaborate and innovate together. With a particularly challenging programme for delivery by the start of COP, Ecosystems approached the James Donaldson Group for assistance with a sleek and modern kitchen design and supply for this modular prototype. Nu-style stepped up to the challenge and worked with Ecosystems architect, Richard Scott to finalise the design.

The Project:

The original request from ECOSystems Technologies was to supply the kitchen for the modular home, but recognising the wider design intent for the demonstrator, our design team quickly highlighted that we could supply a full range of bespoke items, including vanity units, shower panels, and furniture, to match the kitchen to ensure stylish continuity of the interiors throughout.

Our design team worked closely with the team at Ecosystems to provide a one stop solution for the interiors fit out, which also included the supply of white goods and mirrors.

The Nu-style furniture and materials complement the use of the natural materials selected by Ecosystems. Space saving was a key focus of our design, to ensure each nook and cranny is used to its full potential to maximise every available space in the new home. Full height kitchen units with a decorative ceiling panel and mirrored backsplash give the illusion of a symmetrical kitchen design.

At the bottom of these tall units, we incorporated a drawer which protruded through the back wall to provide a deeper drawer and maximise space. This helped the client to gain some extra drawer space within the kitchen.

The Final Result

With COP26 fast approaching, there was very little time for design development prior to design freeze and manufacture. To meet the challenging deadline, Ecosystems and Nu-style worked collaboratively and shared a 3D model to accurately design the kitchen and furniture to the millimetre and maximise the wow factor of the design together.

"Ecosystems Technologies and our client SNRG are delighted with the design and manufacture from Nu-style, and their willingness to work closely with us to deliver one of the centre-pieces for Be@COP26. Right from the start of this project, Nu-Style demonstrated a clear desire to meet our brief under a very tight timescale. They did this in a way that was innovate, both in terms of design and the process to achieve an aesthetic that really complements the wider design intent of the SNRG demonstrator."

Gill Henry, Operations Director ECOSystems Technologies