McGlashan Gardens | Crieff
Development | Masterplan
Struan Homes
Placemaking, Density & Value.
McGlashan Gardens is a highly considered, architect-designed development of 14 residential units by Struan Homes, sited just off Mitchell Street within the Crieff Town Centre Conservation Area in Perth & Kinross. Thoughtfully embedded in the historic fabric of Crieff, the scheme is designed to enhance its surroundings — framing views toward Crieff Parish Church and establishing a new yet sensitive mews environment.
Creating place through design.
From the outset, the project has been rooted in placemaking principles. Buildings are located right at the street edge, defining the public realm and offering framed vistas of the church, a key town landmark. This street-front approach both respects the historic townscape and reinforces a sense of continuity and enclosure. The development’s shared-surface street prioritises pedestrian movement over vehicles, fostering a safe environment where residents can walk freely, children can play, and people can truly inhabit their neighbourhood..
Architectural character & quality.
Rather than imposing a generic housing typology, our architectural response here is consistent, refined and contextually sensitive. The building forms are expressed through simple, mono-pitched roofs, lending a strong, legible silhouette across the scheme. Materials are chosen with care: slate cladding anchors the lower levels with durability and authenticity, while feature bay windows on the upper floors articulate the façade and bring natural light deep into living spaces. The aesthetic is contemporary without being jarring — both apartments and houses work in harmony to deliver a unified architectural language and identity.
Density uplift with commercial rigor.
A standout commercial achievement of McGlashan Gardens is the tripling of density compared to the previously approved planning permission. Through skilful design and a deep understanding of placemaking, we delivered significantly more dwellings without compromising quality or character. This density uplift is not just a technical win — it translates into a stronger financial return for the developer, improving land efficiency and maximising value in a constrained conservation area.
Why this benefits developers.
McGlashan Gardens demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and a placemaking-led ethos are not just good for townscape — they enhance commercial returns.
By achieving a higher-density scheme that feels intimate rather than congested, you can extract greater value from your land while delivering a product that resonates with buyers.
The design mitigates risk: it respects planning constraints, enhances the sense of place and supports a market narrative grounded in quality and character.
Value and market appeal.
By combining higher density with a carefully calibrated design palette, McGlashan Gardens delivers value in multiple ways:
Sales & Pricing: The intimate mews feel, quality materials, and striking views of Crieff Parish Church commanded a premium position in the market and achieved sale prices well above the norm.
Sustainability: The compact footprint and shared-surface layout support more sustainable living, with lower infrastructure burdens and a neighbourhood that encourages walking over driving.
Community: The placemaking-led approach creates a genuine sense of place — a cohesive, walkable and safe environment that enhances resident satisfaction and property desirability.
Legacy: Rather than a one-off housing scheme, the development contributes meaningfully to Crieff’s urban fabric, reinforcing heritage lines while introducing a contemporary, durable aesthetic.
Press.
Scottish Construction Now: Struan Homes brings low carbon luxury to Crieff.
Scotsman: Living the dream : Inside new eco friendly homes in Perthshire.
What House : Mews apartments and detached villas to come to Perthshire.
‘The team have successfully tripled the density of the previously approved planning permission using placemaking principles to deliver this for us. We are absolutely delighted with their work.’
Struan Homes Ltd
Partner with 125Architects.
At 125Architects, we combine rigorous commercial thinking with genuine design care.
Whether you're looking to unlock more capacity on a sensitive site, create differentiated architecture, or build a neighbourhood rather than just housing, we can guide you through every stage — from feasibility and masterplanning to delivery.
If you have a plot you'd like to develop, and you're aiming for both return and meaning, let’s talk.