A Kinross regeneration project has been shortlisted for two national property awards.
Orwell Farm on the banks of Loch Leven, has been transformed from a dilapidated, derelict steading into a modern, energy-efficient rural business hub.The project has now been recognised ahead of the Scottish Property Awards 2025, after being shortlisted in both the Regeneration Project of the Year and Net-zero Energy Development of the Year categories.
The key objectives were to make the site as low energy and sustainable as possible, keeping the existing agricultural setting and character as key influences in the design.
The building has earned a net-zero Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating through clean energy solutions and sustainable construction practices, including responsible material sourcing, recycling waste materials onsite, and exercising a policy of zero-waste wherever possible. Local trades were prioritised and the project leverages technologies such as solar panels, ground source heating, and underfloor heating. EV charging was also installed.
The project was led by Lynsay Bell Manson, founder and MD of Studio LBA, alongside her husband, Jeff Manson. Studio LBA serves as the anchor tenant of the newly revitalised steading.
Lynsay Bell Manson said, “The vision for Orwell Farm was to create a deep rooted community of rural businesses, who are aligned in their values and conscious of their environmental impact. With phase one works now complete, the farm has been successfully transformed from a series of severely derelict and unsightly agricultural buildings into a collection of high quality, design-led and net zero workspaces.
“With a focus on sustainability, creating opportunities for the local business community and a more resilient rural economy, Orwell Farm is now a thriving and lively rural business hub.
“This has been a huge passion project for myself and the team involved so to be shortlisted at the Scottish Property Awards in not one, but two categories is a great achievement. As we now embark into phase two of the project, this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come.”
