A ‘world first’ recycled glass solution has been approved for a new housing scheme near Dumfries.
VASO Global‘s solutions create buildings from panels manufactured from recycled glass, providing ‘affordable, low energy cost, low carbon homes’ which are efficient to keep cool in summer and warm in winter.
The innovation, which is designed at VASO Manufacturing’s HQ in Dumfries and Galloway, has been given the green light for an affordable housing project on a brownfield site at Closeburn, comprising four homes and a home working space and visitor bedroom.
The project has benefited from support from partners including South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
Eddie Black, VASO Global’s co-founder and CEO, said, “We are delighted that Dumfries and Galloway Council has granted planning permission for the Closeburn development – it’s a real milestone moment for VASO. VASO Global has been three years in the making and Closeburn marks the first of many developments across the world which will utilise this solution.
“We are really proud that a product made in Scotland starts its journey right here on home soil in a country renowned for its pioneering innovations. It’s a really exciting moment for us all. VASO’s thermally efficient, affordable housing solution, delivered quickly, efficiently and economically, will create the quality homes which residents deserve.
“This innovation allows us to design homes for the future which are thermally comfortable in all conditions. The VASO build solution is cheap to heat and to cool meaning residents keep cool from the summer heat, as well as keep warm in winter.
“We engaged early on with those involved with the construction industry and we are pleased that Dumfries and Galloway Council has seen the potential of VASO and has given this scheme the go-ahead.”
The panels will be constructed off-site at the company’s new 60,000-square-feet manufacturing site at Irongray Park, Dumfries, before being flat-packed and reassembled on site.
South of Scotland Enterprise commissioned a feasibility report for development of the Closeburn site, as a partnership between Nith Valley Leaf Trust (NVLT), South of Scotland Community Housing and VASO Global.
Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive at South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), added, “SOSE is excited to be on this journey with VASO Global, which is just the sort of innovative company we want to work alongside. In doing so, we can unlock solutions which can benefit not just the South (of Scotland), but the UK and rest of the world.”
VASO Global recently secured more than £5 million in investment to help it tackle the UK’s housing crisis. The investment has been provided by organisations including PXN Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise through a collaboration with Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Innovate UK Loans Limited – a division of UK Research and Innovation, and Eco Group, which will be the delivery partner for the initial VASO Global build projects.
The latest round of financing enables VASO to develop its manufacturing processes at its new site in Dumfries, creating up to 70 jobs within the next five years. A VASO demonstration home is also planned to be built in September.
VASO recently made two senior appointments to its board. Graham McDonald has joined VASO Global as chairman, while Douglas Morrison, deputy CEO of BE-ST, has joined in a non-remunerated strategic advisor role.
