The opening of its new state-of-the-art £5 million headquarters in Balloch has signalled the start of a new era for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

Designed by award winning Scottish architects Page & Park, and packed with a host of environmental features, the stunning building sets a new standard for sustainable development, not just within the Park, but across the UK.

Named ‘Carrochan’, the building is the largest green timber structure in the UK. It will provide facilities for a number of partner organisations and will also be a significant asset for communities throughout the Park.

Amongst its many other environmentally sustainable features, the building has an indigenous Douglas fir timber structural frame and benefits from high levels of natural light. It is heated by a biomass boiler system and solar gain and is largely naturally ventilated. Insulation comes from the wool of 2500 sheep and the build incorporates a SUDs solution (sustainable urban drainage system) in the form of a reed bed.

Above photo of Carrochan by Renzo Mazzolini