Homegrown innovation could help Scotland tackle its housing crisis as new building methods start to be deployed, according to Eddie Black (pictured), managing director at Eco Group.
This follows the recent statement from Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, as the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan highlighted the need for new approaches such as modular construction and offsite housing models.
Black said: “The urgency of the situation is clear for all to see. We would urge the Scottish Government to embrace homegrown innovation which can significantly speed up the solutions, and rapidly deliver affordable and sustainable housing.
“VASO By Eco’s speed and efficiency can provide a systematic solution to the housing shortage.
“It will allow Scotland to be at the forefront of a building solution which will help solve the housing crisis here and in other places around the world.”
Black added: “With VASO by Eco we have a solution which is going to prove a complete game-changer for the Scottish, UK, and worldwide construction industry.
“VASO’s modular build system can erect a four-bedroom house super structure in just four days, with panels manufactured in under four hours.
“This rapid deployment capability directly supports the strategy’s priority to increase housing supply to meet urgent demand and economic growth targets.”
He said: “VASO panels are made from recycled glass and offer superior thermal performance, fire resistance, and durability.
“They are backed by a 60-year Lloyds of London warranty. This supports ambitions to achieve affordable warmth, energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.”
Black added that VASO homes can be deployed quickly, helping councils rehouse families faster.
He said the panels are energy efficient and durable, aiming to support child wellbeing and reduce fuel poverty.
He noted that the system can be built with minimal skilled labour, making it easier to use in rural areas or where there are workforce shortages.
Recent Government plans and research found industrialised construction methods such as modern methods of construction (MMC) and modular build systems are now seen as vital to delivering new homes more quickly and efficiently.
The Housing Emergency Action Plan includes an £80m investment to help move 600–800 children out of temporary accommodation and a requirement for councils to convert quality temporary homes into permanent ones.
VASO by Eco is working with partners including Nith Valley Leaf Trust, South of Scotland Community Housing and South of Scotland Enterprise on a feasibility report for a brownfield site in Dumfries and Galloway.
The VASO build is expected to cut construction time by 20 weeks compared to traditional methods.
The Scottish Government has pledged £4.9bn over four years to deliver 36,000 affordable homes by 2029 to 30, aiming to house up to 24,000 children.
Garry Legg, head of strategy, planning and partnerships at South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “There is a unanimous consensus that we must do things differently to address the housing challenge, with partners in the South of Scotland already coming together to take the action they know is required.
“The South of Scotland is up for, and ideally placed to be, Scotland’s testbed for doing housing differently.”
