Edinburgh Gin; distillery and visitor centre

Edinburgh Gin

The challenge

To construct a new distillery and visitor attraction on a tight corner site in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town; re-using the 19th century stone arches and catering for significant level changes and an existing sewer running below.

Our solution

A piled reinforced concrete substructure provides a stable foundation set back from the historic arched structure which supports Jeffrey Street above, and forms a clear protected passage for the existing sewer below. 

Careful design and co-ordination of the steel framed superstructure has been carried out in Revit, including the modelling of the arches themselves.  The interface between new and existing has then been carefully detailed to allow for differential movement.  The stonework of the arches will be carefully cleaned, repaired and re-pointed as required to create an exposed stone ceiling which will also allow for continued structural inspection by the City of Edinburgh Council.