The reroofing of Edinburgh’s Grade B-listed former Royal Hospital for Sick Children using CUPA Heavy 3 natural slate has delivered one of the most significant heritage roofing projects in Scotland in recent years.
Specified for its authentic appearance and proven long-term performance, Heavy 3 provided the ideal solution to preserve the historic character of the building, now transformed into the centrepiece of the mixed-use luxury residential apartment scheme Royal Meadows – a bold yet sensitive heritage redevelopment for Edinburgh.
Covering 1,300 sqm, the original Westmorland (green peggie) slate roof was fixed onto a perished horsehair felt and, having reached the end of its life, required a complete reroof.
Given the building’s listed status and the weight, scale and the steep 45-degree pitch of the original roof structure, a heavy-grade slate was needed to maintain the structural load expectations and meet planning requirements.
CUPA PIZARRAS’ Heavy 3 slate was specified by the client and main contractor Square & Crescent as the closest match to the original roof. Widely recognised by Historic Environment Scotland as a suitable alternative for heritage projects, Heavy 3’s riven texture, nominal thickness of 7.5mm and dark blue-grey colour provide both authenticity and durability. With a lifespan of over 100 years and compliance with BS EN 12326 standards for slate, Heavy 3 also ensures long-term performance against the city’s harsh weather.
Roofing contractor John Fulton Plumbing & Roofing Ltd. undertook the work, as Martin McGuiness, the company’s Roofing Manager, explains: “The scale of the works was matched by the complexity of the detailing. Heavy 3’s uniformity enabled us to achieve consistency across multiple steeply pitched slate roof sections and complex junctions, including bell towers and turrets, lead-clad dormers and zinc ridges, alongside the integration of new rooflights and smoke vents. This all demanded meticulous planning and exceptional craftsmanship.”
Multiple, technically challenging heritage details were incorporated within the roof. A closed peam turret, requiring precise lead soakers, mitre cuts and the marrying of varying pitches into the interface. All of which demonstrated the craftsmanship of the roofing team and Heavy 3’s ability to sit cleanly across intricate junctions.
Another complex and visually prominent interface was where the red sandstone stepped gables ran into the new lead skews. With tolerance for error minimal, the uniform thickness allowed accurate setting out, ensuring the junctions were carefully integrated into the roof, while maintaining the roofline’s weatherproofing, rhythm and proportion.
The project also included bell towers, which required additional work to accommodate the curve. To achieve a smooth finish and retain the traditional look, the slates were cut progressively smaller in some cases, down to 8 inches to ensure neat tails and a smooth curve.
The roof installation was completed on time across a 13-month programme and within budget, with all work completed to NHBC standards. Commenting on CUPA PIZZARAS’ input in terms of expertise, Square & Crescent, Senior Project Manager Billy Cunningham, said: “From an early stage, we involved Allan Liddell from CUPA PIZZARAS. Pre-construction advice was given and stage inspections undertaken. A post-project final inspection was also carried out. Allan’s guidance was really helpful as we managed the challenge given to us, especially where the bell tower slating works were concerned.”
Royal Meadows stands as a benchmark for heritage roofing projects in Scotland, demonstrating the importance of specifying the right materials to support the highest level of roofing craftsmanship. CUPA PIZARRAS Heavy 3 proved the ideal natural slate to balance heritage sensitivity, modern performance and long-term durability.
To find out more about the CUPA PIZARRAS range of natural slate, visit: http://www.cupapizarras.com/uk
