The management team at Beannachar Camphill Community, located on a farm set near Banchory-Devenick, currently works out of a garage building on the site which is no longer fit for purpose.

The new building is 1,076sq ft in size and will consist of a reception, three offices, a meeting room, toilet and small kitchen.

The entire project will cost about £130,000 from start to finish, with the charity still looking for about £10,000 to complete the construction and fit-out.

Hazel Macklin, senior administrator for the organisation, told the Press & Journal: “We started in August and are in the process of getting everything water-tight so it doesn’t get damaged while construction stops over the winter.

“Everyone we work with has either been involved in either the fundraising or the practical work that’s being done just now.

“They all love it. You can see how much they are getting out of it and the joy on their faces.

“It’s quite a unique project. It’s all about being environmentally sustainable and while there are other buildings like it in other parts of the country I don’t think there are many here.”

The development is scheduled to be completed by spring next year.