Pushing on with Passivhaus in Dumbarton!

A Passivhaus approach to the Bellsmyre Regeneration Project sees the creation of quality spaces where the local community and wildlife can thrive! With phase one of PHT members ECD Architects major regeneration scheme now completed, it’s full steam ahead for the next phase of the project, part-funded by the Scottish Government, to improve housing availability in the area.

Muir Road was the first of Caledonian Housing Association’s multi-million pound regeneration phases for Bellsmyre, with the first tenants already being handed keys to their brand new homes. Once complete, the overall scheme is set to provide 240 new-build high quality, affordable dwellings and open spaces in an existing residential context to improve the housing provision in the area.

Key stats

Number of homes: 240 (in 6 zones)

Project value: £40 million

Site Area: 48,660 m²

Construction: Timber frame / masonry

Building work started: 2021

Certified: Aiming for Passivhaus & Passivhaus Plus

Bellsmyre Regeneration Project | Image credit: ECD Architects

Design

The £40 million regeneration replaces many of the original ageing tenement blocks which could not be upgraded to pass the Scottish Governments EESSH standard. Caledonian Housing Association stipulated that the development, a mix of semi-detached and terraced houses, cottage flats, was designed to the Passivhaus standard, with low maintenance and durability as a key project driver. Once complete, Bellsmyre is set to be one of the most energy-efficient of its kind in West Dunbartonshire with varying standards of build including operational net-zero carbon.

Bellsmyre Regeneration Project: Site map | Image credit: ECD Architects

The main principles for Caledonia Housing Association were creating smaller communities that encourage neighbourliness, creating high-quality landscaped and amenity spaces and removing high-maintenance spaces by replacing it with materials that last.

Quote card | We’re very proud of the Bellsmyre development. It will deliver much-needed affordable, high-quality, energy-efficient homes for families, which is what Caledonia's mission is all about | Andrew Kilpatrick, Director of Assets, Caledonia Housing Association

The design applies traditional, durable materials and the new layout creates safer streets, useable outdoor public space, easy access for residents and better visual and physical links between Bellsmyre and the local nature sites, such as the Nature Conservation Area and Kilpatrick Hills.

Bellsmyre Regeneration Project | Image credit: ECD Architects

Community

Community engagement played a crucial role in Caledonia Housing Association’s vision for the area and was implemented from the very early stages of the project.

Quote card | Bellsmyre is really coming back to life again as a result of the investment and regeneration of the area by Caledonia Housing Association | MSP Jackie Baillie Member of the Scottish Parliament for Dumbarton

Following the unveiling of the proposals, a four week public consultation was launched. Over 100 residents living within the proposed regeneration area provided written feedback to the plans. 97% supported the development and provided helpful feedback on their individual needs and aspirations, as well as what house types and design they would like to see in the neighbourhood.

Bellsmyre Regeneration Project | Image Credit: Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter

Shortlisted for two Planning Awards in 2023, the regeneration of Bellsmyre was praised for significantly improving the quality of the environment and housing in an area that has been neglected for many years. The proposal goes beyond just houses, and creates an environment that encourages the local community and wildlife to thrive through the provision of public amenities and emphasising the relationship with open spaces.

Quote card | We are really excited by what Caledonia HA is achieving and how they have focused upon improving the current and future wellbeing of the residents as well as the quality of the local environment | Dilveer Hoonjan, Project Architect and Passivhaus Designer ,ECD Architects