Edinburgh Home Demonstrator Programme
Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme was established to explore innovative approaches to delivering affordable, high-quality, low-carbon housing across South East Scotland through collaboration between six local authorities, housing providers, manufacturers, public sector organisations and academic partners. The programme evaluated how offsite-manufactured timber systems, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), standardised housing typologies and collaborative procurement models could improve housing delivery outcomes. Through three interrelated pilot projects, EHD examined building performance in occupied homes, the potential for standardised and scalable housing solutions, and new regional delivery models capable of aggregating demand and strengthening supply chain confidence. The findings demonstrated opportunities to accelerate housing delivery, improve quality and energy performance, enhance manufacturing efficiency and generate whole-life value. Beyond informing future affordable housing investment, the programme has created a knowledge base that is now supporting construction education and workforce development, providing a practical blueprint for wider adoption of modern methods of construction and sustainable timber-based housing delivery across the UK.
Authors: Hairstans, Robert, Hitt, Sarah Jayne
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7212200895