'World-first' housing scheme gets go-ahead

A pioneering recycled glass construction system is set to be used on a Scottish housing development for the first time after securing planning approval.

VASO Global has been given the green light to deploy its technology on an affordable housing scheme at Closeburn, north of Dumfries.

The brownfield development will feature four homes alongside home-working space and a visitor bedroom, providing affordable rental properties for local residents.

Designed and developed at VASO’s Dumfries and Galloway base, the system uses structural panels manufactured from recycled glass to create low-carbon homes designed to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer while reducing energy costs.

Panels for the Closeburn scheme will be manufactured off-site at the company’s new 60,000sq ft Irongray Park facility in Dumfries before being flat-packed and assembled on site.

Artist's impression of what the four-home development at Closeburn, north of Dumfries, will look like

Bosses believe the technology could eventually provide a scalable housing solution across the UK and internationally while supporting the transition towards lower-carbon construction.

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.”

Mike Staples, chief executive of South of Scotland Community Housing, added: “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.”

The project has been developed through a partnership involving Nith Valley Leaf Trust, South of Scotland Community Housing and VASO, with SOSE commissioning an earlier feasibility study.

Mike Steele, of Nith Valley Leaf Trust, added: “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.’’

The milestone follows more than £5 million of investment secured by VASO to develop its manufacturing processes and support wider growth.

Backers include PXN Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, SOSE, Innovate UK Loans Limited and delivery partner Eco Group.

VASO expects its Dumfries manufacturing operation to create up to 70 jobs during the next five years, with a demonstration home also planned for September.

Eddie Black, VASO Global’s co-founder and chief executive, added: “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.”

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