10-05-2025
Wheatley Group housing pilot taking place in Glasgow
The new research project, carried out by the Wheatley Group, aims to reduce energy bills and transform social housing construction.
The group, in collaboration with MAST Architects and CCG, is conducting a first-of-its-kind trial at the new Shandwick Street development in Easterhouse.
(Image: Supplied)
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The trial involves six newly built homes, each designed, constructed, and insulated using different technology methods.
The energy consumption and efficiency of these homes will be monitored over the course of a year to determine if they meet or exceed current Passivhaus standards.
The results of this study will be used to help create new housing regulatory standards in Scotland.
Lindsay Lauder, director of development and regeneration at Wheatley Group, said: "As the largest provider of social housing in Scotland, we have an important role to play exploring new thinking and technology to address the issue of rising fuel bills.
"Each of the six properties in the research have received unique enhancements, including upgraded fabrics for insulation, enhanced levels of airtightness, and a reduction in the levels of non-repeat thermal bridging."
The Scottish Government plans to introduce a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard, an international energy performance standard for buildings.
(Image: Supplied)
The Wheatley Group, which manages over 64,000 homes for social rent, was named the UK's biggest builder of social housing in 2024.
The group and MAST Architects commissioned Dr Richard Atkins, an environmental and sustainability architect, to create a report detailing the technical standards applied to the six homes.
Dr Atkins said: "The intention is that a rigorous quality assurance process is carried out during construction of the blocks, like those undertaken on Passivhaus projects, to ensure the houses are constructed as designed.
"This will ensure the performance gap, which often exists between buildings as designed and constructed, is minimised and to also understand any additional requirements this poses on the project team."
The six new homes are part of a larger new-build development in Easterhouse, which includes 47 new two-storey houses and cottage flats built for Wheatley Homes Glasgow, part of the Wheatley Group, for social rent.
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Construction of the pilot houses was completed in March 2025.
David Wylie, CCG managing director, said: "With a focus on a just net zero transition and the potential introduction of the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent, this research is incredibly important to understanding how enhanced building standards can be practically delivered at scale, while continuing to address localised housing needs.
"We share Wheatley's enthusiasm and foresight and look forward to working with them and MAST Architects in the months ahead.'
