The talents of top local construction firm McAlister Holdings are set to be showcased as part of an international sustainable housing exhibition that is unique to the UK.

The Northern Ireland-based property company beat off stiff international competition from 120 companies across the globe to win the opportunity to develop three eco-home sites for the 2009 Highland Housing Fair near Inverness.

Their winning concept developed in partnership with Belfast firm HLM Architects involved creating innovative low-energy houses using sustainable highland materials and based on the German ‘Passivhaus’ design. The homes will be sited at Balvonie Braes just outside Inverness and will be delivered in two years time.

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Anne Mullan, Development Director of McAlister Holdings, said that the new skills and experience gained during the development could soon be transferred across into specific developments both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

"We are absolutely delighted to have won this unique competition and to have done so against such a strong pool of entrants," she said.

"Among homebuyers we are finding that there is greater awareness of issues relating to sustainability and environmentally friendly living standards. We look at this Highland Housing development as an excellent opportunity to highlight our skills within the eco-build sector and to learn new lessons that might be transferred across to the Northern Ireland marketplace."

The competition was organised by the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) for the Highland Housing Alliance. Following the fair, the exhibition site will be redeveloped as affordable housing and community facilities.

(CL/SP)