483 Spectus Elite 70 windows were specified and installed in the development of 47 affordable homes built into the fabric of Edinburgh’s historic Edmonstone walled garden

The historic Edmonstone walled garden is the site of an ambitious £5 million housing development, which includes 47 affordable homes by Hillcrest Housing Association.

The development project has 16 cottage flats and 31 houses made up of one, two and three-bedroom properties. The design respects the existing wall and has seen the historic structure become an integral part of the structure of the new homes.

With such a sensitive and renowned structure, the choice of contractors was critical. The window contractor selected for the project was Spectus Approved Window Contractor Walker Profiles Ltd, a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer based in Motherwell.

Spectus’ Elite 70 system meets the requirements

Walker Profiles secured the contract with the considered Elite 70 system from Spectus Window Systems.
As a complete product system, Elite 70 had all the credentials required, not least because it could deliver the reversible, tilt and turn and casement windows the project required and maintain a streamlined, seamless appearance throughout.

Elite 70 is a formidable 70mm five chamber system for fully enclosed aluminium and/or steel reinforcement and it meets the requirements of BS EN 12608.

In addition, it meets security requirements to PAS24:2016, which was critical because the development was designed to meet the Secured by Design accreditation. The national police initiative encourages developers to create housing projects with security in mind, using landscaping that promotes natural surveillance, as well as high-performance windows and doors to help prevent break-ins.

Elite 70 windows are available in a wide range of colours and finishes. This project used Anthracite Grey on White, to create an aluminium-like appearance on the exterior with an understated neutral interior.

A complex installation handled with expertise

As with every heritage project, there were additional complications to factor in. Walker Profiles proved more than able to cope.

The key challenge was to ensure the windows fitted perfectly into the historic wall structure. To achieve this, the Walker Profiles’ team worked closely with the building contractor to ensure the existing wall apertures were cut to fit the windows precisely.

An award-winning end result

The new development has secured the future of the historic wall and it will remain for years to come as a nod towards the site’s rich history. The quality of the development has already attracted attention because it won Police Scotland’s Secured by Design Gold Award.