Pinkhill Gate

Synopsis 

The Pinkhill Gate development, situated in the vibrant Pinkhill neighbourhood of Edinburgh, exemplifies modern, sustainable living, with its collection of 46 stylish apartments, including affordable housing units. The site’s unique location between the urban landscape to the east, leafy suburban areas to the west, and the expansive Carrick Knowe golf course to the south, required a thoughtful and context-sensitive design approach. 

Additionally, a disused railway line now serving as a core path runs along the northern side of the site. While refurbishment of an existing office building on the site was considered, its steel frame proved unsuitable for residential conversion. The new design retained the linear block form, closely following the original building’s footprint. This ensured a wide perimeter of landscaped communal spaces, preserving as many existing mature trees as possible.

Bauder building board

The specification

The building’s design reflects extensive collaboration with The City of Edinburgh Council to align with the Edinburgh Design Guidance and National Planning Policy. A lightweight flat roof solution was adopted to minimise visual impact and maintain harmony with neighbouring structures. The Bauder Thermofol PVC system, paired with the BauderSOLAR F mounting system, was selected to meet the project’s requirements for low-maintenance roofing, rooftop drainage, and solar energy integration. This system offers non-penetrative installation for photovoltaic panels, ensuring waterproof integrity and an aesthetically pleasing finish. Materials, including zinc-like grey parapets and cladding, were chosen for their durability, low-maintenance, and ability to complement the local environment’s palette of greys and sandstone tones.

Workmanship

The architect’s innovative sawtooth façade provided privacy for residents while influencing the roof plan’s zigzag edge. This required a bespoke tapered insulation scheme to create multiple gutters along the staggered parapet. The installation of over 140 solar panels also demanded precise planning to avoid services and shafts on the roof. Bauder-approved installers, trained extensively in system installation, demonstrated exceptional workmanship and attention to detail throughout the project. Regular inspections by Bauder site technicians ensured compliance with specifications and addressed challenges promptly. For instance, the roof’s zero-fall structure was resolved by implementing a high-priority tapered insulation scheme to achieve 1:80 falls, enhancing drainage efficiency.

Health, safety, and environmental management

Located in a restricted compound with significant pedestrian activity, the site posed logistical and environmental challenges. Mature trees surrounding the area necessitated strategic crane placement at the roof’s centre, requiring extensive coordination among contractors. Adherence to the “Responsible Specification Checklist” from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors ensured safety and environmental standards were upheld. Roof edge protection was implemented using scaffolding, with the parapet height eliminating the need for additional measures. Separate access and egress towers managed site traffic effectively, safeguarding workers and the public.

Products applied

The project utilised BauderPIR FA 200mm insulation, a high-performance rigid polyurethane foam board with low thermal conductivity. Its rebated edge design minimised cold bridging. The 200mm board is produced in a single thickness providing savings in logistics, packaging and installation, as well as reducing the wastage on site. BauderPIR FA also has a high compressive strength at 10 % of 120 kPa. The larger-sized boards of 1,200mm x 2,400mm meant that fewer fasteners were required per m² than smaller-sized boards.

This insulation solution exceeded building regulation requirements, delivering excellent thermal performance, and contributing to the development’s energy efficiency.

Project challenges

The design by Dandara, one of the UK’s most diverse independent property development companies, represents the second proposed planning submission for the site. This successful scheme was the result of extensive consultation with The City of Edinburgh Council to align with the Edinburgh Design Guidance and National Planning Policy. These collaborative efforts ensured that the development not only met regulatory requirements but also integrated harmoniously with its surroundings.

Situated in a visually appealing area, the site offers stunning views, with the development’s upper floors and roof visible from a nearby hotel, as well as the scenic surroundings of a zoo, and Corstorphine Hill. To ensure the development integrates harmoniously with its environment, a flat roof design was adopted, matching the scale and height of neighbouring apartments. Materials were chosen to reflect the natural tones of the area, using a palette of greys and sandstone for a contemporary yet contextual aesthetic. Zinc-like finishes on the single-ply roofing and parapets complement the cladding, ensuring seamless integration.

The result

The Pinkhill Gate development successfully addresses the demand for high-quality, sustainable accommodation in Edinburgh. The compact building form, combined with flat roofing technologies, preserves skylines, and maximises communal open spaces. The thoughtful material selection ensures durability, low maintenance, and visual cohesion with the surrounding environment. The roofing design not only exceeded insulative standards, but also unlocked solar energy potential, reinforcing the project’s sustainability credentials.

Pinkhill Gate stands as a testament to the power of meticulous planning, innovative design, and collaborative execution, delivering a modern, environmentally conscious residential development that enhances the local community.