State-of-the-art residential house opens as part of multi-million-pound appeal. 

Camphill School Aberdeen has officially opened the doors to its new residential home, marking a major milestone in its capital fundraising appeal.  

The 11-bedroom house, at the charity’s Murtle Estate near Bieldside, will be home to seven young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs and four members of staff.   

This investment, of nearly £4million, was made possible due to the success of phase one of the Aberdeen charity’s wider Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal. 

The appeal aims to raise £10m over 10 years, providing even more young people and their families with access to specialist care and education services.  

The official opening saw donors, staff, friends and family gather to tour the house, hear about the impact the residential house will have on families across the region, and enjoy juice and home bakes made in the charity’s kitchen workshop.   

A ribbon cutting by David, one of the young people who will be moving into the new house, TV personality and singer Fiona Kennedy who is a long-time friend and supporter of the charity, and Alex Busch, executive director at Camphill School Aberdeen, marked the official opening.  

David said: “I was nervous to move into the house but I’m excited about my new room and how big it is. I also like having my own bathroom. I’m happy to be in my new home.”  

Fiona Kennedy added: “I am proud to be part of the opening of Camphill School Aberdeen’s new residential home. It truly is a ‘home from home’ with such attention to detail and is a powerful reminder of what community and compassion can build together.”  

The house, named Linden House after the tree that grows on the grounds of the building, also features an independent living wing which can be used by the young people as a training flat.   

Alex Busch said: “This has been one of the most significant construction projects undertaken on Murtle Estate in more than 10 years. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated towards phase one of our capital appeal. Their support really will transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.   

“We launched our Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal three years ago in response to the growing crisis in care and lack of available residential placement for young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs. Many families face the prospect of sending their child to a facility far from home. The opening of Linden House means we are one step closer to alleviating the stress of this crisis.”   

Camphill School Aberdeen’s Building Futures, Transforming Lives campaign is aiming to increase its capacity for day and residential students by 60% over the next 10 years by creating additional residential space, modernising existing facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose for years to come, and expanding its workshops and therapies.  

Carol and Owain, parents of David, said: “As parents, all we want is for David to be safe and happy in an environment where he can grow and thrive. Since joining Murtle Estate, part of Camphill School Aberdeen, we have seen him grow in confidence with support and activities tailored to his unique needs. Having access to this type of supported environment is critical to someone like David.”  

Linden House is in its ‘homemaking’ phase with residents gradually beginning to occupy the space. The house, designed by award-winning architects Collective Architecture, has been constructed with sustainability in mind. It has been built to Passivhaus Standards, meaning it is more insulated than a typical UK home, features triple-glazed windows and has impressive airtightness levels. The building also has air source heat pumps, mechanical heat recovery, rainwater recovery, and solar panels which allow the home to benefit from natural solar gain.   

The opening of this house marks the completion of phase one of the appeal which also included the development of Murtle Market, a sustainable social enterprise and takeaway cafe, and an outdoor sensory playground. Future phases include the refurbishment of existing buildings, the expansion of the charity’s land and craft workshops, and the growth of the awards and qualifications scheme.