This small, ambitious project saw off strong competition from six quality affordable housing projects across the country to lift the award at the ceremony held in London on 27 November.

Nineteen new homes for over 55s have been provided in this innovative development that combined the construction of a modern five-storey Passivhaus tower with the sensitive restoration and conversion of the 19th century Carntyne Old Parish Church on Shettleston Road.

The development was designed by Page\Park Architects with John Gilbert Architects and constructed by Stewart & Shields.

Each of the homes constructed within the old Church building has an individual, bespoke design and all homes benefit from high levels of thermal insulation. A light, fully-glazed link corridor connects the existing church to the new, five-storey Passivhaus tower that has been constructed with a simple palette of materials, respecting the traditional stone and slate of the old church.

The location of Cunningham House in the centre of the Shettleston community, combined with its energy efficiency credentials make it an ideal development for older people. Residents have easy access to local facilities and community activities and benefit from the enhanced housing management support provided by the association’s retirement housing service.

Gillian Johnston, chair of the Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Cunningham House has been named Inside Housing’s Best Affordable Housing Development of the year. This is a well-deserved accolade for the full development team who have produced 19 fantastic, highly energy-efficient homes for our tenants on a very challenging site. We are extremely grateful to our funders at Glasgow City Council and Royal Bank of Scotland who have supported this development.”

Mark Shields, director at Stewart & Shields, added: “We are delighted that the development was successful at this prestigious awards ceremony in London. By restoring the church fabric back to life this has afforded tenants the opportunity to have a modern and comfortable home which will require a much-reduced fuel demand with Passivhaus housing.”

Patrick Flynn, head of housing and regeneration services at Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow City Council is delighted that Cunningham House has been successful at the Inside Housing Awards, and we are pleased that the hard work of the partners involved in this project has been recognised. 

“The development is the first Passivhaus development funded through Glasgow’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and is part of Glasgow’s strategy to develop high-quality, low-carbon homes with low running costs to help address fuel poverty and meet the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.”