New homes fit for military veterans
Councillors were given a first look at a £9.8 million ecofriendly modular housing project currently under construction in Dundonald.
The 63-unit development in the village is Riverside Scotland’s first in South Ayrshire.
The firm welcomed South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell, Councillor Martin Kilbride, buildings, housing and environment portfolio holder at South Ayrshire Council, and Kyle SNP councillor Julie Dettbarn to the site to see how it is all coming along.
The councillors were given a tour by Riverside Scotland’s managing director Diana MacLean.
During modular construction, waste is up to 85 per cent less than it would be on traditional sites and 67 per cent less energy is required to produce a unit.
The homes are built off-site by modular construction specialist Connect Modular Ltd, using an innovative and sustainable modular construction method.
The pioneering use of off-site technology makes a real difference in lowering the environmental impact of the construction process, energy consumption, building running costs and overall energy efficiency levels are substantially improved.
Modules are completed to ceiling height, with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics all installed before leaving the factory.
The first modules were craned into position in June 2020 and the development is on track for completion this autumn.
Over the past six months, Riverside Scotland has allocated 26 properties within the development, including nine military veteran households.
The councillors had the opportunity to meet some military veteran residents, including Nathan and Lauren Cairns, who were on the waiting list for seven years and moved into a three-bed house in January.
Cllr Kilbride said: “Modular housing has the potential to be a game-changer, and I am delighted that South Ayrshire is leading the way in Scotland.
“Having the units preassembled is much more sustainable and reduces construction waste by a staggering amount. Modular housing adds another construction option for delivering more affordable homes in South Ayrshire and we’re keen to explore other areas where this process could be used.”
Riverside Scotland chief Diana MacLean added: “With over 13 per cent of homes on the development allocated to military veterans and another signing up this month, Dundonald is a truly unique project providing suitable accommodation and support to veteran families.”