The redevelopment of this stunning listed Victorian building in Edinburgh is in keeping with its high quality and distinctive Gothic-style design and features a deep half-round cast iron gutter and downpipe system to complement the building.
Located in a conservation area, the former Mission Hall dates from 1879. Originally built as a church hall, and later also used as a Masonic hall, and since the 1960s, the workspace, studio, and gallery. When the gallery closed in 2010, the building was used as a warehouse for a local print business until its redevelopment into 8000 sq feet of office space.
With this historically significant building in a poor state of repair, the highly decorative east and North-facing Gothic façades required sensitive and accurate restoration. It was decided that the detailing necessary for this sympathetic restoration was only available using traditional materials.
Alongside the replacement of the gutters and pipes, it was also necessary to replace much of the old soil and waste system, that had survived many years of neglect. The architect specified Tuscan Foundry cast iron LCC, used in Scotland for many years, but sadly in many cases replaced with PVC, to the detriment of the building.
For the eastern façade, the architect was conscious of acknowledging the proximity to the castle, and these cast iron hoppers are Scotlands, and this projects salute to its heritage. Specified in Ivory white, Cast Iron and castellated hoppers bring period authenticity to the distinctive façade. All downpipes were replaced with 75mm round downpipe in ivory white .
Project: Restoration of former Mission Hall building, Edinburgh, Scotland
Products: Cast iron deep half round gutter 125mm x 75mm and 75mm cast iron downpipes. Along with the replacement using the traditional LCC soil system.
Historic Scotland has a great advice sheet on maintaining and repairing cast iron rainwater systems, available by following this link.
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A deep dive into the history, common issues, and maintenance of cast iron rainwater goods, with a focus on traditional Scottish architecture; cast iron rainwater goods have been a staple of Scottish architecture for centuries, prized for their durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. These qualities are particularly important in Scotland, where the weather can be harsh and unforgiving. They are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of a bygone era, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to buildings across the country.
Cast iron’s journey in Scottish architecture began in the 18th century. Its resilience and ability to withstand the challenging Scottish climate quickly gained popularity. The relatively low production cost of cast iron made it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings, contributing to its widespread adoption.
The 19th century marked the pinnacle of cast iron rainwater goods in Scotland. This era saw the construction of magnificent Victorian buildings adorned with elaborate cast-iron rainwater systems, showcasing decorative hoppers, rhones (the Scottish term for gutters), and leader heads (downpipes). These features served a practical purpose, channelling rainwater away from the building and enhancing the architectural beauty of the structures.