LAKESMERE was appointed by main contractor Pochin’s Construction to complete an extensive cladding package for Edinburgh Napier University’s new Bainfield student residence scheme in Fountainbridge.
The scheme, which was designed by Alan Murray Architects and includes some 778 en-suite student residences, is located on the site of a former brewery on the south side of Fountainbridge and forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the area.
The ‘design and build’ contract saw Lakesmere, alongwith its supply chain partners, collaborate closely with the project team at the earliest possible stage to ensure that the product specification met the specific performance criteria.
Lakesmere was instrumental in ensuring that the final specification of materials effectively met the architect’s visual aspirations as well as the main contractors’ cost constraints and in particular, careful consideration had to be given to the plank cladding package which was specified in three complementary shades of grey.
A key feature of the scheme’s striking design, meticulous attention to detail at both the setting out and installation stages was vital in successfully achieving the desired pattern.
The new student accommodation is spilt across four concrete frame structures and Lakesmere was tasked with undertaking the cladding work on multiple elevations at the same time.
To complete work on the large scale site, Lakesmere completed the challenging installation process using scissor lifts and mast climbers and the company’s exemplary health and safety training was key to the successful management of a large workforce simultaneously working across a number of elevations.
Lakesmere’s delivery of the Fountainbridge scheme follows the company’s earlier successful delivery of a complex roofing and cladding package for Napier University’s Faculty of Health, Life and Social Sciences buildings.
