WSHA and Westscot Living launch development of ‘Passivhaus standard’ affordable homes in Glasgow
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Lucy Knott Photography
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has launched its landmark development of 90 highly energy-efficient mid-market rent homes at Dundashill, Glasgow.
The launch comes the same week as the development was shortlisted for two prestigious national awards: Scottish Home Awards’ Housing Regeneration Project of the Year and Homes for Scotland Awards’ Medium Development of the Year.
The development, which completed in April 2024, consists of 90 homes created for mid-market rent, and was constructed with partner CCG (Scotland) Ltd. The development consists of a mix of one- to three-bedroom flats for individuals and families, and features high quality contemporary landscaping, an urban play area and exceptional views overlooking the city.
Built to Passivhaus Classic standard – the European ‘platinum standard’ for energy efficiency – the homes make use of a super-insulated building fabric and are naturally designed to create a high level of occupant comfort, using very little energy for heating and cooling which in turn means very low energy consumption for tenants.
Solar panels on the roof of the building connect directly to each flat, creating further benefit to the tenant as a means of offsetting energy costs, whilst innovative air-source heat pump technology for hot water and space heating requirements reduces the building’s carbon footprint and contributes towards the Scottish Government’s target for emissions from heating buildings to reach net zero by 2045.
The project was designed by Collective Architecture who are experienced Passivhaus designers and include sustainability as standard through their architecture practices. Working with ERZ, the landscape design provides a range of different high quality external spaces for residents and integrates sustainable design features such as raingardens into the scheme. Mechanical and electrical engineers RSP were crucial in ensuring the design of the homes were compliant in relation to energy standards, but also in keeping energy costs down thus helping the association address issues of fuel poverty.
The final homes at Dundashill will be allocated this week.
In the last few years, WSHA has established itself as an innovative leader in sustainable development within the social housing sector. In 2022, WSHA launched Glasgow’s very first Passivhaus-standard flatted development for social rent, consisting of 36 two and three bed properties at Springfield Cross in the East End of the city.
The new homes at Dundashill will be the first to be managed by Westscot Living, a subsidiary of West of Scotland Housing Association. In May this year, WSHA and Westscot Living will also launch MMR properties at a new 54-home development at Dalmarnock Station, Glasgow, and have recently announced plans for further MMR homes in sites across the City Centre, including St Enoch Square and India Street.
The £21 million project at Dundashill, funded by a £10.1m of Affordable Housing Supply Programme grant from Glasgow City Council and £11.1m of WSHA’s private finance, is the first development completed as part of wider masterplan to regenerate the former Diageo distillery site.
Andrew Kubski, director of development and asset management at WSHA, said: “All of us at West of Scotland Housing Association are extremely proud of this stunning development.
“The location is ideal for city centre amenities whilst providing incredible views over Glasgow itself. The build quality is first class and we have been able to provide our MMR tenants with super energy efficient, low carbon homes that will help keep utility bills as affordable as possible.
“We are delighted with the support from funding partners Glasgow City Council and the delivery of the project from CCG and the design team.”
David Wylie, managing director of CCG (Scotland), added: “CCG is celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2024. Over the last five decades, the landscape of our business and the wider construction industry has changed significantly and that is why the completion of Dundashill is a hugely significant milestone.
“The project not only represents how we have evolved as a contractor and manufacturer but it is also a new benchmark for the housing sector in Scotland, shining a light on where our industry has come from and where we are heading in our transition to become net zero by 2045.
“To have delivered the largest development of its kind in our home city with West of Scotland Housing Association – our second Passivhaus project in as many years – carries and added weight of significance and we are thankful to them and our Design Team for their support during the construction programme.”
Councillor Kenny McLean, convener for housing at Glasgow City Council, added: “This new development at Dundashill is outstanding in several ways – the homes here are extremely energy efficient, are located very close to the city centre, and have fantastic amenities in a unique setting.
“We were very pleased to support the building of these 90 new homes, which support both the regeneration of the canal corridor and that of North Glasgow.”