PROJECT: Lower London Road recladding

LOCATION: London Road, Edinburgh

CLIENT: Hillcrest Housing Association/Cruden Homes East Ltd.

STATUS: Completed 2023

DESCRIPTION: Replacement of existing façade and balconies with non-combustible cladding.  

As part of Hillcrest Housing Association’s estates review following the Grenfell Enquiry, Gilberts were commissioned to design a replacement cladding system for their existing six storey housing block at Lower London Road.

Following an EWS1 report and fire risk assessment of the existing building by specialist consultants, a design solution was developed, involving the specification and detailing of non-combustible cladding and balcony materials to replace the existing timber-clad facade. The proposals had to ensure that the existing tenants of the 36 flats could remain in their homes throughout the duration of the contract.

Work started on site under the management of the original contractor Cruden Homes East Ltd. in July 2022 and the project was completed successfully in April 2023.