Connect Modular starts building new flats in Penicuik

This week witnessed a momentous occasion at Windsor Square in Penicuik as the groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction on 12 modern energy-efficient cottage flats, set to be available for social rent. Constructed by Connect Modular for Ark Housing Association, this innovative development will consist of ten two-bedroom and two one-bedroom cottage flats, designed to blend seamlessly with the local surroundings while preserving green space. Each residence will boast sustainable features like air source heat pumps and PV panels, ensuring energy efficiency remains a top priority.

The project received over £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government, including direct grants and contributions from the Allia charitable bonds scheme. Jennifer Higgins, CEO at Connect Modular, expressed her excitement about collaborating with Ark Housing Association to bring these 12 modern cottage flats to life using the volumetric modular modern method of construction. She highlighted the benefits of modular construction in terms of build quality, speed of construction, and overcoming challenges of brownfield sites like Windsor Square. The adoption of this forward-thinking approach by Ark Housing Association signifies a significant step forward in advancing construction practices.

Caryn Innes, director of development and customer experience at Ark, noted the complexities of the small site at Windsor Square and the collaborative effort with Connect Modular to identify a construction solution that maximises affordable housing provision while minimising the impact on the local community. The construction process aligns with Ark’s commitment to Scottish Government Housing to 2040 ambitions for modern methods of construction and achieving net zero heat emissions.

Connect Modular’s innovative construction technique involves building homes in a controlled factory environment. At their manufacturing facility in Ayrshire, all cottage flats will be constructed with pre-fitted kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electrical systems. These homes will then be segmented into modules, transported to the site, and carefully assembled using cranes for the final stages of completion.

Throughout the development, Connect Modular will engage with the local community by collaborating with the nearby primary school, providing charitable contributions and facilitating various activities to foster a sense of community spirit.

The 12 cottage flats are projected to be ready for occupancy early in 2025, offering residents modern, energy-efficient homes designed to enhance their quality of life while contributing to Scotland’s sustainability goals.