ROSL, Edinburgh
Client
Royal Overseas LeagueAddress
100 Princes St., EdinburghValue
£350,000Introduction
In September 2012 Restorex were selected to carry out a significant restoration to the external fabrics of a class A listed building, based in the heart of Edinburgh.
Built as The Windsor Hotel and designed by Robert Paterson in 1879, it is one of several grand Victorian developments constructed along Princes Street in the latter 19th-century. Influenced by French architecture, Paterson reflected this in the clubhouse’s steeply pitched mansard roof pitches and towered roofs, finished in grey slate and topped with elaborate cast-iron railings.
Objectives
To fully restore this large class A listed building, currently being used as a hotel by the Royal Overseas League. It is important to carry out the full restoration of this building, whilst recognising the need for the hotel to go about its daily business, with minimal interruption.
Description
The designing, erecting and dismantling of significant areas of scaffolding allowing access to carry out the following works:
- Extensive areas of stone replacement, both structural and aesthetic (highly decorative features)
- Extensive renewal of decorative and structural masonry
- Complete stripping and restating off roof coverings
- Stripping and replacement of architectural lead work
- Timber repairs to windows and roofs
- Flat roofs
- Renewal of specialist metalwork
- Redecoration to all windows, doors and rainwater goods
Conclusion
It has been a privilege, for the whole team at Restorex, to be involved in the restoration and repair of such a significant and highly decorative building. It has also been a pleasure working alongside the design team and a client who have been extremely helpful and instrumental in allowing us to do what we do best. Also, allowing a major restoration to progress whilst the Hotel has been in use for the full duration of the project.
Client Comment
I have regularly worked on repair and restoration projects with the team at Restorex over the last 15 years and have always found them to be responsive, diligent and able to carry out work timeously, but it is their cost certainty and a willingness to work with the design team in recognition of contractual obligations that makes them stand out for me.
Thanks from me and the Central Council of the Royal Over-Seas League, for the thorough and professional way in which you executed the repair and restoration works at 100 Princes Street. The working relationship that was established between parties, ensured that the process was as painless as possible. We are delighted with the outcome. The building looks splendid. I look forward to perhaps collaborating on future projects, Thank you again for the excellent work of you and your team !