Rowanbank Gardens: Low carbon homes deliver low energy bills

Hot Water & Heating Bills at Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh, Could Cost Less Than £65 Per Month** 

Smart, No Fossil-fuel Design of New Apartment Development Helps Tackle Soaring Energy Costs 

Energy bills at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, have been estimated to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area* 

 Latest research on the fossil-fuel free homes shows that average annual hot water and space heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at the development could be as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month** – providing significant long-term cost savings for first-time buyers or purchasers wanting to downsize for more energy efficient living.   

Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, Rowanbank Gardens will deliver 93 high quality apartments for private sale set around a large open garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds . Work began in summer 2021 and with construction now continuing apace, the first move-ins are expected in spring next year.   

Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development challenging many of the norms associated with the construction and delivery of traditional apartment buildings. 

It is one of the first large residential developments in Scotland to employ individual Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) providing both heat and domestic water – moving away from large, complex fossil-fuel heat sources.  

With additional insulation, larger windows and improved air circulation, the heat reclamation system allows internal heat to be reclaimed through the ventilation system, forming a closed energy loop with almost all useful heat being retained within the apartments. 

David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland, welcomed the low energy cost forecast as more evidence of Rowanbank Gardens’ immaculate environmental credentials which can provide significant financial benefit for homeowners feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills and the rising cost of living.

He explains: “Rowanbank Gardens provides smart, energy-efficient design 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. Instead, Artisan is leading the way in introducing energy-efficient technology, such as individual air-source heat pumps which capture the warm air within the home and then uses it to provide cheap and efficient heating, as well as piping hot water. 

He adds: “We also make each home or apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in energy efficient technology to encourage low carbon and energy efficient 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 spray taps and stone-showers which have been proven to reduce water consumption by up to one-third.” 

The construction of Rowanbank Gardens follows Artisan’s design framework geared to achieving low to zero carbon city living, which starts with ‘use less, first’.  

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 turfed green roofs at Rowanbank Gardens, which are natural insulators being cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also provide a natural 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.

Green roofs also encourage a huge amount of ecological biodiversity for buildings – attracting plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting, beehives and roosting sites. 

Since it launched late last year, sales at Rowanbank Gardens have been buoyant, with 13 of the first phase already sold. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at £245,000 – making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.  

To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302. 

* Compared to equivalent new build apartment at Artisan Real Estate’s Canonmills Garden, Edinburgh, completed 2022. 

** Figure based on Building Regulation compliance energy consumption and measured against average electrical process from June 2022 of £0.278/kWh. Final performance subject to user operation preferences.