A Scottish housing project has shown that sustainable timber frame housing is economically viable for volume housebuilders in the private sector.

Two “zero heat” properties were constructed in a trial for Redrow Homes at Ruchazie, Glasgow, as part of a competition-winning project of urban regeneration to demonstrate that private housing as well as the social sector is suitable for sustainable timber construction. It was fund-assisted by Communities Scotland through its Gro-Grant initiative.

Ebbw Vale-based Excel Building Solutions‘ Warmcel 500 insulation was specified to boost energy efficiency in the 300mm-deep walls and 350mm roof plates, delivering a U-value of 0.12W/m2K

I-beams were used to provide maximum strength and miminum weight, while the timber frame was sheathed using Panelvent. The houses also feature Argon-filled triple glazed windows, solar panels to provide hot water and heat recovery ventilation systems.

&#8220The project demonstrated that sustainable, ‘zero heat’ specification houses are economically viable for not only social housing, but also volume housebuilders in the private sector ”

Vernon Monaghan, of project designer Vernon Monaghan Architects

Vernon Monaghan, of project designer Vernon Monaghan Architects, said: “The project has been a great success, with both houses sold from the drawings alone, demonstrating that sustainable, ‘zero heat’ specification houses are economically viable for not only social housing, but also for volume housebuilders in the private sector.”