Forestry Commission Scotland is to maximise use of locally-grown wood for its planned new offices in Inverness forest district.
The building, which will replace the commission’s current worn-out Smithton site, is to feature a timber frame, wood cladding, timber windows and wood-based panels for internal walls and floors. A carbon-neutral boiler burning woodchips from Scottish trees will provide heating.
Highlands-grown timber will be given preference in a bid to minimise energy use and pollution created by transporting the wood.
Andrew Bruce, of the project’s designers HRI Architects of Inverness, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to design this building, which we believe will be an exemplar of the way in which buildings will have to be designed in future to meet targets for environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and recycleability.”
Other features of the building design include photo-voltaic panels on the roof, wool or recycled paper insulation and collection of rainwater for non-drinking purposes.
Forestry Commission Scotland has applied to the Highland Council for planning permission.
