Artisan Real Estate’s drive for zero carbon living has taken a major step forward with the installation of 126 individual air source heat pumps at its Rowanbank Gardens development in Edinburgh.
The development, described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low-carbon living’, is currently delivering 93 apartments for private sale and 33 for affordable living, set around a large open garden space. The development has been specifically designed to set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon living, challenging construction norms and the delivery of traditional apartment buildings.
Rowanbank Gardens is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual ASHPs in all of its apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water. As well as completely replacing traditional fossil-fuel based heat sources, the latest state-of-the-art equipment uses smart technology to maximise energy efficiency whilst keeping costs down.
Air ducts positioned throughout the apartment capture warm air from rooms like kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms – making use of any waste heat energy generated from activities such as steamy baths and showers, boiling pots and pans, washing machines and even a strenuous exercise work out. This energy is passed back to each apartment’s ASHP where it is used to heat water for underfloor heating throughout the apartment as well as domestic hot water.
Energy costs at Rowanbank Gardens could be up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area, with research showing that average annual hot water and space heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at the energy efficient development could be as low as £775 per year, providing significant long-term cost savings for residents.
David Westwater, Artisan’s development director for Scotland, said: “Artisan is leading the way in introducing energy-efficient technology, such as these individual air source heat pumps. This use of recycled heat will provide a significant financial benefit for potential homeowners feeling the pinch of expensive energy bills and the inflated cost of living.”
“As well as innovations like individual heat pumps, we also provide A-rated appliances for all of our homes and are introducing cutting-edge environmental technologies such as low flow taps which have been proven to reduce water consumption by up to one-third.”
“Rowanbank Gardens’ smart, energy-efficient design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs. This demonstrates Artisan’s stated commitment to move away from using any fossil fuels to heat homes within our developments, as part of our pledge to reduce carbon nationally.”
The construction of Rowanbank Gardens follows Artisan’s design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living. The building is designed to make the absolute most of its natural environment, positioning it in such a way to maximise natural energy and warmth from the sun whilst providing management of and protection from external elements like wind and rain.
Artisan has also championed the use of sedum roofs at Rowanbank Gardens, which are natural insulators that remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also provide a sustainable drainage facility with rainwater evaporating in sunlight, providing the simplest form of a short-term carbon cycle and reducing the impact on the existing drainage system.
