HOUSING
LOW-CARBON DISTRICT HEATING FOR FLAGSHIP HOUSING PROJECT When a proposed low-carbon housing development in Western Scotland was given the green light, it was decided that a biomass plant would be constructed to heat the site via a district heating system. Here, REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pre-insulated pipe would prove key to a swift and safe installation, while also ensuring minimal thermal losses between the heat source and the houses.
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ituated on the picturesque shores of the Firth of Clyde, Largs has long proved to be one of Scotland’s most popular seaside resorts. While already home to 11,260 residents, North Ayrshire Council’s ambitious five-year housing plan would see the town also become host to the flagship Flatt Road housing development. The project would create 122 new homes, split between 54 new-build houses, 22 assisted living facilities, 18 bungalows and a 28-unit sheltered housing complex. This would prove to be the largest site of its kind in the council’s wider commitment to building 1575 new homes in the region by 2026. Following a competitive selection process, Ashleigh (Scotland) was awarded the construction contract. Speaking on the development, Stuart Feay, Project Manager
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at Ashleigh (Scotland), said: “Flatt Road is one of the most ambitious social housing projects in the UK to date, so everyone at Ashleigh was keen to play their part. The build was set to take place on the site of the former Largs Academy, with a view to regenerating the local area. This would help to provide affordable, energy-efficient housing for first-time buyers, or elderly residents looking to downsize.”
Low-carbon heating and hot water The construction of a biomass plant nearby was proposed as a low-carbon means of heating the site. Here, water heated by the plant would be carried to the homes via a district heating network, offering reduced carbon emissions compared to heating the buildings