A new affordable housing scheme in Dumfries and Galloway will use a recycled glass panel construction system after receiving planning approval, marking the first development to use VASO Global’s technology.
The four-home scheme at Closeburn, north of Dumfries, will be built using panels manufactured off site at VASO Manufacturing’s new 60,000 sq ft facility in Dumfries. The project will also include a home-working space and visitor bedroom.
The development will provide affordable rented homes on a brownfield site, with the construction system designed to support faster delivery while improving the thermal performance of the finished buildings.
Recycled glass panels to be manufactured off site
VASO Global’s construction system uses panels manufactured from recycled glass to form the homes.
The components will be produced at the company’s new manufacturing facility at Irongray Park before being transported to Closeburn in a flat-packed format and assembled on site.
Off-site manufacturing is intended to reduce the amount of construction activity required on site while allowing components to be produced in a controlled factory environment.
The homes have been designed to provide thermal comfort throughout the year, with the system intended to reduce energy requirements for heating and cooling.
Eddie Black, VASO Global’s Co-Founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council has granted planning permission for the Closeburn development – it’s a real milestone moment for VASO.
“VASO Global has been three years in the making and Closeburn marks the first of many developments across the world which will utilise this solution.
“We are really proud that a product made in Scotland starts its journey right here on home soil in a country renowned for its pioneering innovations. It’s a really exciting moment for us all.
“VASO’s thermally efficient, affordable housing solution, delivered quickly, efficiently and economically, will create the quality homes which residents deserve.
“This innovation allows us to design homes for the future which are thermally comfortable in all conditions. The VASO build solution is cheap to heat and to cool meaning residents keep cool from the summer heat, as well as keep warm in winter.
“We engaged early on with those involved with the construction industry and we are pleased that Dumfries and Galloway Council has seen the potential of VASO and has given this scheme the go-ahead.
“It shows the value of us listening and being flexible when it comes to understanding what is required by stakeholders, including governments, councils, housing bodies, environmental organisations, and communities, and also believing in a solution which brings so many benefits to society including to residents and the planet.”
Brownfield site to deliver affordable homes
The Closeburn project is being developed through a partnership between Nith Valley Leaf Trust, South of Scotland Community Housing and VASO Global.
South of Scotland Enterprise commissioned a feasibility study for the site, with the scheme intended to provide affordable rented homes for local residents.
Mike Steele of Nith Valley Leaf Trust said: “We are really pleased to have obtained planning permission for this exciting new affordable housing project. This means we can now move forward to seek funding, buy the land and work with partners to build these state-of-the-art modern homes.
“We are particularly keen to retain or attract young people with a connection to Closeburn who will enhance our community as well as showcase community led housing.”
Mike Staples, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Community Housing, said: “The team at SOSCH are delighted that planning consent has been secured for the Community Led Housing development at Castle Crescent. We have been working in partnership to plan and deliver housing innovation with Nith Valley Leaf Trust over a number of years and therefore it seems fitting that this project should be central to testing the pioneering VASO housing solution.
“It’s exciting to be part of a really positive collaboration with VASO Global, South of Scotland Enterprise, the community and other key partners and we’re now looking forward to working towards getting the project on-site.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive at South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), said: “SOSE is excited to be on this journey with VASO Global, which is just the sort of innovative company we want to work alongside. In doing so, we can unlock solutions which can benefit not just the South (of Scotland), but the UK and rest of the world.”
£5m investment supports manufacturing expansion
The planning approval follows more than £5m in investment secured by VASO Global to develop its manufacturing operations and support the rollout of its construction system.
The funding has come from PXN Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise through a collaboration with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Innovate UK Loans Limited and Eco Group.
Investment will support the development of manufacturing processes at the Dumfries facility, with VASO expecting to create up to 70 jobs over the next five years.
A demonstration home is also planned for September as the company develops the recycled glass panel system for wider housing applications.
