Hardies Property & Construction Consultants has begun work on Midlothian Council's first 'Passivhaus' housing project in Dalkeith town centre.

The firm acted as Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor for the £2million new-build housing development which sets building standards developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany for energy efficient, comfortable and affordable homes.

The Dalkeith development comprises six residential new build units on Buccleuch Street allowing for energy savings of up to 90% compared with typical building stock and over 75% compared to average new builds.

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Stuart Newton, Senior Project Manager, Hardies Property & Construction Consultants, said: "Using less oil and gas to heat one square meter of living space than conventional ‘low-energy’ buildings, Passivhaus make efficient use of the sun, internal heat sources and heat recovery, rendering conventional heating systems unnecessary throughout even the coldest of winters.

"During warmer months, Passivhaus Houses make use of passive cooling techniques such as strategic shading to keep comfortably cool. They offer high level of comfort. Internal temperatures stay constant even in the face of extreme outdoor temperatures."

Midlothian Councillor Stephen Curran, cabinet member for housing, added: "This project demonstrates how the latest design and construction standards can contribute to lower energy costs and sustainability. The decision to build these new homes is part of our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 as outlined in the council’s Climate Change Strategy."

The homes were designed by architects Smith Scott Mullan Associates and the contractor is Morris and Spottiswood.

The Passive House project in Dalkeith is scheduled to be completed by December 2022.