ESTABLISHED IN 1917 THE VEITCHI GROUP IS ONE OF SCOTLAND’S LARGEST AND MOST RESPECTED CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES.
It comprises five trading companies, each of which are leaders in their own right and provide a wide variety of services to the construction industry across the UK such as flooring, interior fit-out, building preservation and restoration, and lightweight steel frame expertise.
Veitchi work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and provide a tailor-made delivery across various trades focusing on the key areas of safety, innovation, reliability, quality, cost and added value.
These values ensured Veitchi Frame was successful in securing and subsequently delivering Places for People’s vision for The Engine Yard development in Leith, Edinburgh. This particular area has industrial architecture running through its veins. Previously, the site was home to the city’s historic tram depot and the developers chose to retain and highlight many of the magnificent original features. In what is a delicate blend of old and new, the new build homes have been sensitively designed to sit alongside the tram sheds, chimney, the boundary wall and gables.
With the creation of over 370 homes, a brand-new community is being created in what is being described as one of the most exciting places to live in Edinburgh. The new one and two bedroom apartments being developed on the landmark site provide much needed new housing within the capital.
The design of these modern homes incorporates elements of the city’s traditional architecture whilst managing to provide an open plan feel. The addition of balconies and dual aspect windows allow the residents to maximise views of the surrounding area and further views of the city.
The development is located in a highly desirable area, on the edge of the New Town and only 10 minutes’ walk to the city centre. A multitude of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and delis are within easy reach and the site also contains a fully equipped fitness centre and underground parking.
Working in partnership with voelstapine Metsec plc, the UK’s largest specialist cold roll forming company, Veitchi Frame designed, manufactured, supplied, and erected three blocks of apartments over seven storeys and a total floor area of 17,500m2. From the bespoke offsite Veitchi Frame facility in Lanarkshire the wall panels were assembled and delivered to site in the required erection sequence. In all, more than 700 tonnes of Metframe were supplied to The Engine Yard.
The project itself provided some unique challenges and access to the site was limited. The site is flanked on one side by Leith Walk, one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, and on another by a live
railway line. With up to four cranes in operation erecting the structure there were many logistical hurdles which they able to overcome. Veitchi Frame also provided solutions for key areas of the structures’ design, including stone cladding to complement Edinburgh’s iconic sandstone architecture whilst retaining a modern appearance, extensive external walkways to frame courtyard areas and acoustic isolation
of the apartments from the gym and function rooms in the first apartment block.
Veitchi Frame successfully delivered the completed project within the 30-week
programme.
