Commencement of Construction of Cottage Flats at Windsor Square, Penicuik

This week saw the groundbreaking ceremony at Windsor Square, Penicuik, marking construction commencement of 12 modern energy-efficient cottage flats to be made available for social rent.

Constructed by Connect Modular for Ark Housing Association, this innovative development will deliver ten two-bedroom and two one-bedroom cottage flats, sympathetically designed to integrate with local surroundings while preserving green space. Each new home will have sustainable features such as air source heat pumps and PV panels, ensuring energy efficiency remains at the forefront.

The development secured support of over £1.5 million in Scottish Government funding, comprising direct grants and contributions from the Allia charitable bonds scheme.

Jennifer Higgins, CEO at Connect Modular, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Ark Housing Association to deliver these 12 cottage flats using our volumetric modular modern method of construction. Modular construction not only elevates build quality but also expedites the availability of homes for occupancy and overcomes challenging logistical brownfield sites like Windsor Square. The incorporation of this forward-thinking approach by Ark Housing Association represents a significant leap forward in advancing construction practices.”

Caryn Innes, Director of Development and Customer Experience at Ark, said, “this is a small but complex site, and through working closely with Connect Modular, a construction solution has been identified, which maximises the affordable housing provision and importantly minimises the construction impact on the local community. Connect Modular’s construction aligns with Ark’s commitment to Scottish Government Housing to 2040 ambitions for modern methods of construction and achieving net zero in heat emissions.”

Councillor Willie McEwan, present at the Sod Cutting Ceremony, expressed his enthusiasm for the commencement of the development at Windsor Square. He highlighted his anticipation for the delivery of the houses and conveyed his excitement about modular construction as a whole.

The innovative construction technique implemented by Connect Modular delivers the home-building process in a controlled factory environment. Within Connect Modular’s manufacturing facility in Ayrshire, all cottage flats will be constructed, complete with pre-fitted kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical systems. Following this, the homes will be segmented into modules, transported to the site, and carefully positioned using cranes for the final stages of building completion.

Throughout the development Connect Modular will be working closely with the local primary school providing charitable contributions and carrying out various engagement activities, fostering a sense of community.

These 12 cottage flats will be ready for occupancy early in 2025.