June 7 2019

West of Scotland Housing Association has confirmed their intent to build 36 Passivhaus standard homes at Springfield Cross, Parkhead, later in the year with a planning application declaring their intent.

Occupying a brownfield site at the junction of London and Springfield Road’s the homes would sit next to the Emirates Arena to a design by Robert Potter & Partners.

Arranged around three cores providing access to two flats per floor the development will include three wheelchair accessible flats at ground floor, each with access to their own private patio, with all residents benefitting from a large communal garden.

In a design statement filed with planners, the architects wrote: “The design is appropriately sensitive and of human scale while providing visual improvement to this gateway approach to Dalmarnock.

“The scale, massing, proposed external materials, variety of fenestration, and elaboration of the eaves will provide an attractive building with visual interest for residents, visitors, passers-by, and will be a “building in the round”.

The properties will all be highly insulated to reduce heating bills and will be finished in a mix of clay facing brick.

7 Comments

#1 Posted by mick on 7 Jun 2019 at 13:06 PM

As an example of 21st century architecture this rates as highly pathetic whilst the written statement from the architect is highly embarrassing. R Potter + Partners i hope that retirement is looming.

#2 Posted by Robin Bs Discount Store on 7 Jun 2019 at 13:13 PM

Good to see passivhaus social housing kicking on. Be interesting to see it's effect in tackling fuel poverty.

#3 Posted by Bob the builder on 7 Jun 2019 at 14:16 PM

I'm still to be convinced about Passivehaus....MVHR in social housing is not practical. These units require filters to be replaced on a regular basis. Not easy to manage to social housing, then you end up with mould on all the walls and constant complaints from occupants.

#4 Posted by PassivHoose on 9 Jun 2019 at 20:35 PM

The problem with Passivhaus designs is that the software used to analyse the thermal models cannot accurately take into account daily "purge ventilation", i.e. opening up windows. Therefore the sealed box idea is perpetuated in order to get a silly certificate.

#5 Posted by Walt Disney on 10 Jun 2019 at 11:44 AM

I'll get my crystal ball out and look into the future. I see unmaintained or switched off MVHR units. I see black mold in cupboards and CO alarms ringing. I see open windows and the HA maintenance budget going through the roof.

People don't read O & M manuals. They will use these flats like they used their previous flats. It will be an ongoing maintenance issue for the HA. Dogma over practicality.

#6 Posted by Passivguff on 17 Jun 2019 at 21:35 PM

Agreed #3. Making houses air tight boxes with all the pollutants, toxins,, fibres, particulates etc that are too fine to filter. Good luck. Rather have a through draft any day.

#7 Posted by Build tight, ventilate right on 21 Jun 2019 at 16:12 PM

Evidence gathered from existing projects in Scotland, England and Europe is at odds with the myths / fears above. Passivhaus does provide high quality homes with exceptionally low energy bills. The indoor environment in Passivhaus builds is shown (through post completion testing) to be healthier, with less toxins than equivalent building regulations homes.

More info is at the Passivhaus Trust website: http://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/competitions_and_campaigns/passivhaus-for-local-authorities/

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