Dualchas Architects, formed in 1996 by twin brothers Alasdair and Neil Stephen, is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a rebrand that its founders hope will expand its HebHomes division from 40 kits per year to 100.

The brothers also said further automation in the construction industry was required to offset future skills shortages and make housing more affordable.

HebHomes was launched in 2007, the same year the firm opened its Glasgow studio, and 10 years on, Alasdair Stephen said it was time to give value to Highland architecture.

A contemporary longhouse, based on the traditional single-storey blackhouse dwelling, which was common in the Hebrides around the time of the Highland clearances, was designed by the practice to offer an affordable alternative for clients looking to build on acquired land.

“The idea of the new blackhouse was important,” Neil Stephen told The Herald. “We are trying to give value to Highland architecture. The architectural thread was cut with the clearances and the blackhouse was seen to be the emblem of poverty.”

With the bi-lingual studios speaking English and Gaelic, the brothers believe the current revival in Gaelic culture should have architecture, as well as language, at its heart.

“One of the most obvious parts of culture is architecture,” said Neil Stephen. “Civilisations are judged in the future by the architecture they leave behind.

“Our view is it was important architecture played a part in that revival, and you could say it is now.”

“We’re quite ambitious about HebHomes,” said Alasdair Stephen. “The first few years of the business, it was supported by Dualchas, we only did a few a year. Our aim is to do 50 or 60 kits a year now and we want to increase that to 100.”

That will also help the overall business double its turnover to about £2.5 million.

The rebrand coincides with a move from a structurally insulated panel (SIP) system of materials to the more sustainable cross laminate timber (CLT).

While HebHomes is a growing part of the business, the brothers said Dualchas was also increasing headcount and business, and is expanding from its traditional residential base.