Client
City of Edinburgh Council
Value
£3.8 million
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Coatings External Façade Refurbishment Projects
Dumbiedykes Residential Flats comprise two ten-storey tower blocks located adjacent to the Scottish Parliament building in Holyrood, Edinburgh. As a prominent part of the Edinburgh Social Housing Scheme for the City of Edinburgh Council, the buildings required comprehensive refurbishment to improve energy efficiency, address ageing building fabric, and enhance living conditions for residents.
Years of exposure and outdated construction methods meant that both the external envelope and internal communal elements no longer met modern performance expectations. CRL, together with its specialist division CRL Façades, was appointed to deliver a holistic refurbishment solution that would secure the long-term future of these strategically important residential assets.
Services undertaken
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External refurbishment of two ten-storey residential tower blocks
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Installation of insulated render systems to existing rendered elevations
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Cavity wall insulation to brick elevations
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Installation of new brick ties
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Balcony waterproofing using liquid-applied membranes
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Replacement of balcony handrails
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Installation of new windows to common areas and liquid-applied waterproof membrane to existing roofing felt
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Internal installation of ventilation extractor fans
CRL delivered a wide-ranging programme of external and internal works, demonstrating its capability in managing complex, high-rise refurbishment projects within occupied residential environments. Access to the façades was primarily achieved using mast climbing platforms, which provided safe, efficient access to all elevations while significantly reducing the security and logistical challenges associated with traditional full-height scaffolding. This approach was particularly well suited to the urban location and contributed to maintaining resident safety throughout the works.
Externally, CRL installed an insulated render system to elevations that were previously rendered, improving thermal performance and weather resistance. On brick elevations, cavity wall insulation was introduced alongside the installation of new brick ties, enhancing structural integrity and energy efficiency without altering the building’s external character. Balcony areas were upgraded through the application of a liquid-applied waterproof membrane, providing a seamless and durable solution, while existing handrails were replaced to modern standards. New windows were installed to common areas, improving both thermal performance and the overall appearance of shared spaces.
Roof works were carefully planned to minimise disruption and risk. The original copper-faced roofing felt was retained, with a fully bonded liquid-applied waterproof membrane installed directly over it. This innovative approach eliminated the need for a temporary roof, reduced waste, and allowed the new membrane to be colour-matched to the original copper finish, preserving the visual identity of the buildings.
Internally, CRL undertook targeted upgrades, including the installation of new ventilation extractor fans and the retiling of kitchens and bathrooms. Two top-floor flats were fully refurbished with new kitchens and bathrooms as a pilot scheme to inform future improvement works across the estate.
A key strength of the project was CRL’s use of its directly employed workforce, largely recruited from the local community. This ensured tight quality control, consistent workmanship, and efficient coordination across trades. The project highlights CRL’s expertise in concrete repairs, façade refurbishment, and long-term asset management, delivering durable solutions tailored to social housing environments.
The refurbishment has provided Dumbiedykes Residential Flats with a renewed external envelope designed for long-term durability and reduced maintenance. The insulated render systems and cavity wall insulation significantly enhance thermal efficiency, lowering energy demand and improving occupant comfort. Liquid-applied waterproofing to balconies and roofs delivers seamless protection against water ingress, increasing resilience in Scotland’s challenging climate.
By retaining and overcoating the original roofing felt, CRL minimised material waste while extending the roof’s service life. New windows, upgraded handrails, and improved ventilation further contribute to the buildings’ overall performance and safety. Collectively, these measures form a robust preservation strategy, extending the lifespan of the structures, reducing future maintenance liabilities, and supporting the City of Edinburgh Council’s long-term housing asset management objectives.
