Pilkington glazing reflects Edinburgh’s history on new contemporary development

Pilkington UK provides various solutions for a newly constructed building in Edinburgh which integrates five existing buildings in a historic Edinburgh square.

Although the building is distinctively modern, the designers were careful to take the architectural heritage of the site into consideration by using the highest quality materials, including the glazing.

Michael Metcalfe, commercial sales manager at Pilkington UK, comments on the installation of the glazing: “A great deal of attention has been paid in the installation to ensure near perfect alignment of the units. As a result, when the surrounding buildings are reflected in the façade, there is very little distortion helping to lend a very premium feel to the whole project.”

The ground floor retail units and the soffit glazing on the underside of the projecting spaces were achieved using a Pilkington system. The Pilkington Planar structural bolted system provided frameless, glass surfaces that deliver clean lines and uninterrupted views using low profile stainless steel fixings.

Michael added: “The fins play a critical role in allowing the designers to deliver such a heavily glazed building at this very sensitive site. When you face the façade head-on, they are narrow enough that you can hardly see them. But, as you move into the square itself, the building’s frontage appears to become solid.

“Thanks to the cleverly concealed full-height glazing, the interior is filled with daylight and occupants get the full benefit of the impressive views of Edinburgh Old Town and over the Firth of Forth.”

In addition, a total of 4000m2 of Pilkington Suncool 66/33 T glass was used across the whole building to minimise heat loss during cold weather and excessive heating on hot days. The solar control glass helps to reduce transmission of heat from the sub to just 33 per cent, while allowing 66 per cent of visible light through.

Overall, the building provided quality, contemporary, category-A office space as well as eight restaurant and retail units with a comfortable climate.

Contact:

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited,
Greengate Works,
Sherdley Road,
St. Helens,
Merseyside,
United Kingdom,
WA9 5 DZ

Phone: 01744 692000
Fax: 01744 692569

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