CMS delivers glazing on a grand scale for prestigious Edinburgh residences

A comprehensive package of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling by CMS Window Systems, which includes ultra-contemporary 3m x 3m lift and slide doors, has enabled CALA Homes to deliver on its vision to create one Edinburgh’s most prestigious developments in years.

Situated in the grounds of the famous Donaldson’s estate, one of the Scottish capital’s best-known landmarks, The Crescent is a stunning new build development of 84 luxury residences designed by the renowned, award-winning architect Richard Murphy OBE.

Its location within the Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Centre is unique and its creation is key to the transformation of a nationally important site whose future had been uncertain until CALA Homes and its development partner conceived this exceptional project.

Working with CALA Homes’ main contractor BAM Construction, CMS Window Systems was tasked with the manufacture and installation of a wide range of glazing elements for the dual-aspect homes. It was imperative that the doors and windows reflected the high-end design of the properties and matched the premium fittings and fixtures that set The Crescent apart from any other apartments currently available in Edinburgh.

The specification centred on a combination of Kawneer and Metal Technology aluminium systems finished consistently in sliver-grey (RAL 7001) to achieve the aesthetic goals and maximise views and natural daylighting into the properties.

One of the most striking aspects of the design is the 9m spans of glass to the front elevation, formed from three 3m x 3m panes and opening widely thanks to a triple track sliding door. These were created by CMS Window Systems using the Kawneer AA 3572 system at its Cumbernauld factory, a huge undertaking that it accommodated through the clever application of robotic handling machinery.

With each of the lift and slide door units weighing around 300kg, CMS ensured safe handling and transportation with the use of a Winlet 350 window and glass installation robot. The heavy glass panels were easily lifted and held securely by the vacuum lifter’s four suction cups, which allowed safe transportation of the load to its required destination.

As with all the glazing facing direct sunlight, these lift and slide doors and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors are appropriately shaded by brise soleil, which was fabricated and installed by CMS, and COOL-LITE SKN 176 II solar control glass features to provide optimum year-round comfort.

In a seamless and consistent envelope package featuring a wide variety of sizes and configurations, aluminium curtain walling was utilised throughout, for which CMS utilised the Metal Technology 17 system.

Windows were manufactured using Metal Technology 5-20 and doors built with Metal Technology the 7-20 and 5-20D profiles. A final part of the glazing package involved glass balustrading which CMS managed with the manufacture of end brackets, channelling, transom and mullion supports to be consistent with every other glazing element.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “The Crescent is unlike any other development in Scotland, showcasing the finest modern architecture the country has to offer in a way that is shaped around the quality of life within the homes.

“It really is quite spectacular – you don’t experience the full impact of it until you’re there on the grounds and that is testament to the years of careful planning and construction that went into making this development a reality.”