3 hours Ago
YOUNGSTERS have been celebrated for their creative ideas in designing eco-friendly homes. The Scottish Borders Construction Forum, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, announced the winners of the second annual 'Design an Eco House' competition at Borders College in Galashiels. The contest, which began in September 2023, gave pupils from across the region several months to bring their sustainable home ideas to life.
The initiative, now in its second year, challenged young people to design homes that prioritise energy efficiency, sustainability and resource conservation. The entrants were tasked with imagining a house that remains warm in winter, cool in summer, maintains low carbon emissions and promotes the reuse and recycling of water, energy and materials. Robyn McNulty, 11, from Broomlands Primary School, was one of the winners.
She said: "I feel really proud! "I’d love to see my design in real life – I’d be so surprised if it actually became real. "I really liked putting everything together, designing it and learning how it all worked. "The competition showed me a totally different career I’d never thought about before.
" Sixteen pupils were selected as prize-winners for their imaginative and thoughtful entries. Their designs demonstrated creativity, practical thinking, and a strong understanding of environmentally conscious construction. Tweeddale East councillor Julie Pirone, executive member for education, youth development and lifelong learning, presented the awards.
The winning pupil from Broomlands Primary received a £50 voucher, while all runner-up pupils from Broomlands and St Peter’s Primary schools received £10 vouchers each. The prizes were funded by Oregon Timber and NorDan Windows. Cllr Pirone said: "I was delighted to award the prize to our fabulous pupils who had taken time and a lot of effort to submit amazing eco-homes in this fantastic competition.
"The children from St Peter’s and Broomlands Primary Schools were absolute stars and are truly the minds of the future that we badly need in the Borders if we are to have the skills and ideas to build more sustainable, affordable homes." The event was held in the 360° immersive classroom at Borders College, underlining the importance of modern, technology-driven learning environments in preparing students for future challenges. The Scottish Borders Construction Forum, which supports the region’s construction sector and supply chain by encouraging the exchange of ideas, information, and innovation, congratulated all the participants.
Julie Nock said: "Reaching net zero will take more than ambition – it will take skilled people. "That’s why it’s so important we open up clear, engaging educational routes into careers in the built environment. "The Design an Eco House Competition inspires young people to think about sustainability, green technology, and biodiversity, while also showing them the wide range of rewarding opportunities that exist in the sector.
"We can’t wait to see how these talented pupils shape the future of sustainable design.".
