Bellrock Close

Bellrock Close in Cranhill was developed for Scottish Veterans Housing Association to provide both permanent housing and transitional support for veterans in Glasgow and the west of Scotland. The development combines 30 supported one-bedroom flats with 21 mainstream homes, creating different levels of accommodation within a single purpose-built setting.

The supported accommodation was conceived as more than housing. Alongside the individual flats, MAST designed a range of shared facilities including a gym, café, IT and training spaces, health resources and communal areas, allowing employment, education and wellbeing support to be delivered alongside accommodation. A network of veterans’ charities, support organisations and public-sector partners contributed to developing the service model.

Architecturally, the different uses are brought together through a series of distinct but connected spaces rather than an institutional arrangement. The training and communal accommodation includes a large-span sawtooth roof over a kitchen and dining area, while the wider development combines timber, steel frame and masonry construction. Landscaped areas were also designed as part of the support environment, including spaces for gardening and horticultural activities.

The separation between transitional and permanent accommodation was central to the brief, allowing residents to progress towards greater independence while remaining within a familiar residential setting.

Bellrock received significant recognition, including Most Innovative Supported/Sheltered Housing Scheme at the 2016 Housing Innovation Awards, alongside commendations from the Saltire Society, Herald Property Awards and RICS Scotland.