A recently launched natural insulation hub has been tipped to ensure Scotland’s construction sector has access to the materials needed to meet ambitious climate targets and protect and future-proof the nation’s revered build styles.
Founded by E2 Holdings – which is behind brands such as Ecomerchant, Eco Slate, and Fragile Earth – the Scottish Natural Insulation Hub has a location in Dumfries as well as a large base in Oban, which features a display area showcasing products to customers in situ.
All the hub’s insulation offerings are sourced from sustainable and renewable resources. Core products include wood, hemp, cellulose, sisal, and calcium silicate systems, alongside a range of airtight and windtight membranes, tapes, and accessories.
Environmentally friendly solutions from global brands, including Steico’s wood fibre products and Thermafleece’s sheep’s wool insulation, are featured at the hub, as well as those of Scottish manufacturers such as IndiNature’s hemp insulation and Sisaltech’s Sisal wool range. Will Kirkman, MD of E2 Holdings, told Project Scotland the launch of the hub comes in response to both the demand for natural building materials and the country being ‘deserving’ of having a one-stop-shop solution.
“Scotland is distinct in terms of its architectural style, its build systems, and its regulation,” Will explained. “Our view was that it deserves to be addressed… so that’s why we employ Scottish people at Scottish locations targeting Scottish construction.”
The wider group demonstrated its environmental expertise at COP26 in Glasgow back in 2021, when it aided Roderick James Architects in creating the COP26 House. The initiative allowed world leaders to interact first-hand with a genuinely low carbon building created with engineered, affordable natural materials all available today.
That knowledge is now set to be passed on to the Scottish construction sector as well as housing associations and local authorities, with the hub open to those who know what they’re looking for and others who would appreciate a bit of guidance when it comes to identifying the ideal solution.
“We will support by any means the ambitions of anyone to build more sustainably,” Will shared, before explaining how those who need help often ask fewer questions after their first few projects. “Eventually, it becomes a case of knowing exactly what’s needed and simply emailing over an order; this way we are equipping people to build better and more sustainably in the future.
“We provide guidance rather than advice. Our location in Oban has a really expansive display area – there’s a section of a building where you can see, touch, and feel the products in situ.”
Having only opened in the autumn of 2024, the Scottish Natural Insulation Hub has already garnered ‘good levels’ of interest. Will praised Scotland’s deep desire to take the necessary actions to protect its environment and future-proof traditional builds.
