Pilkington were specified for a new scheme integrating five existing buildings in a historic Edinburgh square and creating a striking contemporary counterpoint to the surrounding architecture.

The final design uses distinctive, custom-made fins – some bronze and some stone – along with projecting lantern glass boxes and a grand double height entrance leading to a full height atrium to create a building that is unapologetically modern.

To complete the façade, two different glazing technologies were used. The ground floor retail units and the soffit glazing on the underside of the projecting spaces were achieved using a Pilkington Planar™ structural bolted system. This uses low profile stainless steel fixings to provide frameless, glass surfaces that deliver clean lines and uninterrupted views.

The rest of the façade features a bespoke curtain wall system, onto which the bronze and stone fins are mounted.

A combination of heat loss during cold weather and excessive heating on hot days means that a lot of artificial climate control is typically needed.

To minimise both factors, Pilkington Suncool™ 66/33 T glass was specified across the whole building. This is a superior solar control glass that helps to reduce transmission of heat from the sun to just 33 per cent, while allowing 66 per cent of visible light through. This ensures a comfortable climate for occupants all-year-round without compromising on bright interiors and spectacular views.

4000m2 of glass was used in total across the façade.