Scottish housing association Hanover has received planning approval from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for its first social housing development to be built to Passivhaus standards.
The Drymen development will consist of 15 affordable homes, replacing the original Drymen housing.
Buildings built to Passivhaus standards use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling, and up to 70% less energy than conventional buildings, and have therefore been identified as a key strategy for tackling fuel poverty. They also future-proof occupants from increasing unexpected weather patterns.
Julie McKinnon, Projects Manager at Hanover (Scotland), said: “Hanover is delighted that approval has been granted for the development at Drymen.
“Drymen marks the first Passivhaus development for Hanover, and we are proud to be among the first social housing organisations in Scotland to be achieving this important environmental standard.
“The Drymen site has special significance for us given that it was Hanover’s first development when we became independent in 1979.
“We thank all development partners and contractors for their vision and expertise.”
Hanover joins Orkney Housing Association, West of Scotland Housing Association, Eildon Housing Association, Nith Valley LEAF Trust (NVLT) and Argyll Community Housing Association as one of the first housing associations in Scotland to implement Passivhaus standards in social and affordable housing.
The Drymen development will feature a mixture of terraced bungalows for returning residents and 2 storey semi-detached residences for general needs housing. Design features and benefits include optimal solar orientation, thermal comfort, excellent indoor air quality, and wildflower meadow grass for increased biodiversity.
Hanover’s development partners and contractors include ECD Architects, Cruden Building & Renewals, and TCS Construction Consultants.
Jennifer Rooney, of ECD Architects, commented: “By adopting the Passivhaus standard we are ensuring that we are protecting residents from rising fuel costs. In particular, it’s great to know that the amenity houses will be offered up to returning residents who previously lived at this address.
“These residents will be returning to a brand-new house, designed specifically as amenity housing, and with very low energy bills yet excellent levels of thermal comfort.”
