Architects widely recognise this Category A-listed building as Scotland’s finest example of Modernist Brutalist architecture.
We actively participated in the repair process from the very beginning. Our initial commission comprised a detailed assessment and analysis of the nature and condition of the existing structure. The purpose of this work was to determine whether increasingly apparent defects in the reinforced concrete parts of the building, such as spalling concrete and corroding reinforcement, were structurally significant. If they were, the aim was to determine if repair was necessary or even sensible. Happily, we concluded that there were no fundamental problems with the building or its structure. Additionally, we determined that its reinforced concrete work was behaving as it should. While repair was certainly necessary, the work would look to manage the natural aging processes of the reinforced concrete, fending off the more prevalent causes of deterioration.
Following the original commission, we determined the works required to address the reinforced concrete deterioration. We also worked to enhance the wider composition of the building to mitigate the risk of further significant deterioration. For example, we rationalised the rainwater goods and installed a new protective membrane to the exposed concrete of the roof. Surprisingly, the original roof was wholly unprotected.
In addition, we identified some low-key alterations to restore the architectural dignity of the building. This reversed some well-intentioned but ill-informed past interventions. We devised the works to be carried out and worked with an Architect and M&E Engineer to realise their detail, remaining as Lead Consultant ourselves.
Of most interest is the approach we adopted to the repair of the reinforced concrete work, which was one of conservative repair. The conservative care and repair of architecturally important reinforced concrete buildings and structures is a field in its infancy. The question arises: do the commonly held, long-established philosophical approaches to the care and conservation of a traditional building apply in this context? As such, this commission was of the highest order from a conservation point of view and at the very forefront of Scottish conservation practice.
Our work was led by Steve Wood, one of our Conservation Accredited Engineers. It sought to marry an approach of pragmatism and minimal intervention, with the use of compatible repair materials, together with sensitive adoption of mitigation measures to stave off decay. We informed this based on our detailed understanding of the existing structure and its aging and decay mechanisms. We devised innovative repair techniques, proved through pre-contract trial and then actual execution.
