Council celebrates latest Passivhaus development on Scottish Housing Day

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Stuart McKenzie is marking Scottish Housing Day today (18 September) by celebrating the completion of the council’s latest green-energy development.

Much to celebrate

Cllr McKenzie was at St Cuthbert’s on Bonnyrigg High Street with Richard Crowther, the Commercial Director at Cruden Building Scotland. Cruden Building Scotland built the 20 new council flats to the exacting, energy-efficient Passivhaus standard on behalf of the council. 

Ambitious programme

Part of the most ambitious Passivhaus programme in Scotland, the flats are among 182 Midlothian Council homes meeting the stringent building requirements allowing up to 90% energy savings.

Changing lives

Cllr McKenzie said: “It’s fantastic to see what was a building site is now a modern, attractive development our tenants are already calling home. That local people are enjoying living in comfortable, warm and energy-efficient flats while helping us progress our ambition of net zero status by 2030 is inspiring.”

Assisted living and for the over 55s

Designed by award-winning architecture firm, AHR, eight of the new apartments offer assisted living, with the remaining 12 apartments are homes for those aged 55 and over. 

Bright and spacious housing

Achieving Passivhaus certification, the homes offer tenants bright and spacious living spaces paired with more affordable running costs. Measures incorporated to help reduce energy consumption levels include Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units to provide a constant flow of fresh air, while also helping retain energy already used in heating the apartments. 

Complementing surrounding area

The development features an attractive brick exterior to complement its neighbouring buildings and keep with the original character of the surrounding community. 

Thumbs up from Cruden

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director at Cruden, expressed the company's pleasure in working with Midlothian Council on these new homes: "It's incredibly rewarding to see tenants already settling in and benefiting from energy-efficient living. This year’s Scottish Housing Day theme, 'Homes for Life,' truly reflects what we've accomplished here—creating a sustainable, future-proof community that addresses the environmental challenges of tomorrow. Knowing we've built homes that not only protect the environment but also significantly enhance the comfort and quality of life for residents is what makes projects like this so fulfilling."

Scottish Government support

The project was delivered as part of Scotland’s affordable housing supply programme with support from Scottish Government.

In the picture

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Stuart McKenzie is pictured outside the council’s latest Passivhaus, green-energy housing development with Richard Crowther, the Commercial Director at Cruden Building Scotland. Cruden built the homes on behalf of the council.