‘House of the future’ designs are child’s play

Built-in ballpits, skateboard parks and trampolines were popular choices when Scottish youngsters were asked to design their ‘house of the future'. Fun and entertainment were definitely top of the spec-sheet, with other suggestions from the budding architects including a fireman's pole from the bedroom to an indoor football area, cinemas, swimming pools, aquariums and even a futuristic ‘weather changer'.

Several primary schools took part in the initiative by housebuilder Redrow Homes, with Townhead Primary in Coatbridge the first to be recognised for the creativity of its pupils.

As a result, the school has received £500 towards a new smart board and three of the children received goodie bags for their colourful creations.

Abby Smith, aged six, who has now moved to a different school, licked the competition with her garden full of lollipops, while five-year-old Mia Beckett captured the imagination with her soft play area, chute and ball pit in the bedroom. For animal lover Jack Smith, aged five, it was all about the outdoors with his horse and lambs in the garden.

Diana Newton, sales director for Redrow Homes (Scotland), whose developments include Garncroft Wynd, in Glenboig, said: "We were amazed at the imagination and creativity shown by all of the children who took part. Clearly we have some budding architects of the future and can look forward to some fascinating new homes from the next generation!

More than just a housebuilder Redrow is committed to involving itself in the communities in which it builds and often hosts site visits and safety talks - some featuring its Buster the Bear mascot - at local schools. Redrow hopes to finalise further design competitions with other schools later this year or early in 2009.

Shona Williams, head teacher of Townhead Primary School, commented: "The competition afforded the children an opportunity to use their imagination and be creative in designing a house for the future. It followed on from a study into homes in the past through the topic ‘When Gran was a Girl'. We are very proud of the children's achievements.

"As a school we actively seek opportunities to work in conjunction with local businesses and we are delighted to have made this link with Redrow Homes."

Based in Larbert, Redrow has developments across Scotland's central belt, offering a wide choice of city centre apartments, family housing and luxurious detached villas. The Garncroft Wynd development in Glenboig features three and four-bedroom detached houses from £174,995.

For further details of Redrow and its homes log on to Redrow.co.uk.