Potterrow Student Accommodation

Synopsis

This major refurbishment project at the Potterrow Student Housing Development, located at the University of Edinburgh’s main campus, brought vital improvements to the seven‑storey building. Core testing showed the existing roof was saturated and had been leaking since the building opened, meaning it had to be fully stripped back to the metal deck before any upgrades could begin.

Following the full strip‑back, the works included renewing the natural stone façade, improving the roof’s thermal performance, and refurbishing all 151 studio apartments. The project also offered the opportunity to significantly enhance energy efficiency through a major M&E plant replacement and the installation of a photovoltaic panel system on the new Bauder roof.

As part of the redesign, a Bauder Thermofol system was chosen to provide a reliable and durable waterproofing solution for the replacement roof. The insulation scheme was upgraded with a tapered design to help achieve the overall thermal targets while managing roof falls across the building. The PV system was incorporated into the new roof build‑up, providing renewable energy generation without compromising weight or the building’s height constraints.

The project presented several challenges, including having to work within tight planning restrictions, upgrading thermal performance without altering building lines, and keeping the structure dry while internal refurbishments progressed simultaneously. Close collaboration between Bauder, the architect, and the contractor ensured all design objectives were met, including resolving complex details around the upstands and drainage.

The completed project now provides a reliable, long‑term roofing solution supported by Bauder’s comprehensive 20‑year Product and Workmanship Guarantee, while delivering improved energy efficiency and enhanced living conditions for students.

Bauder building board