A mid-century bungalow conversion in Mortonhall, Edinburgh, has been crowned winner of Scotland’s Home of the Year 2026. The property, named Homegrown Hoose, impressed judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell with its sustainable design and thoughtful evolution over 15 years.
Home to horticulturalist Emily Hairstans, her husband Professor of Timber Engineering Robert Hairstans, their children Jackson and Ada, and the family’s chickens, the house has undergone extensive modernisation. Despite hating the house on first viewing, Emily shared a vision with Robert to create a family home heavily influenced by structural timber technologies.
Judge Anna Campbell-Jones said the home “typified the concept that home is an evolution” and praised its “innovative, playful sustainability”. Banjo Beale described it as “a lovely blueprint for a modern family home” that “grew straight out of the soil itself”. Architect Danny Campbell highlighted its “original approach to a rudimentary house type” that encourages others to challenge design norms.
Emily Hairstans said: “It’s such an honour to win – it’s been a rollercoaster experience. Our home just evolved into what it is.” Her husband added: “To have that endorsement is amazing. Every decision, every paint colour, bit of furniture, modification was considered.” The couple have hidden the trophy in a drawer until now.
The open-plan kitchen, lower than the rest of the space, was a favourite for Banjo and Anna, with Banjo calling it “a place where mud, meals, and magic all collide”. Homegrown Hoose brings together upcycled furniture, horticulture and advanced timber technologies, creating a home the judges called a worthy winner.
