Townhead House, Primrose Street

Townhead House is a 60-unit affordable housing development delivered for Kingdom Housing Association and Clackmannanshire Council as part of the “Living Alloa” initiative. Built on a prominent brownfield site in the town centre, the project reinstates the urban fabric while setting new standards for intergenerational and dementia-friendly living.

The design was shaped through extensive stakeholder workshops, ensuring that accessibility, daylight and social connection underpin every aspect. Simple yet thoughtful design measures – such as wide cloistered decks, dual-aspect apartments, semi-open plan layouts, and full-height glazing – create bright, adaptable homes that support independence and foster community.

A linear plan with street frontage on three sides encloses a series of shared garden courtyards, each with its own character. The cloisters act as sheltered transitional spaces, encouraging residents to personalise the areas outside their homes and reinforcing a sense of belonging. Internally, a sequence of social spaces, both formal and informal, promote chance encounters and interaction across generations.

Architecturally, the building is broken down into recognisable elements through varied materials, roof forms and articulated elevations. This provides a legible identity for residents, particularly those with cognitive challenges, while giving the project a distinctive civic presence.

Completed in March 2023, Townhead House demonstrates how collaborative design and attention to detail can deliver affordable housing that is inclusive, dignified, and transformative for its community.