Proposed revisions unveiled for Edinburgh homes plagued by mould issues
In the heart of Edinburgh's capital district, a significant transformation is on the horizon. The City of Edinburgh Council, in collaboration with development company EDI (Edinburgh Development and Infrastructure), has commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the residential blocks Oxcars Court and Inchmickery Court. This development forms part of the wider revamp of the Muirhouse Estate.
The buildings, constructed in the 1960s, have been notorious for their mould and damp issues. Stallan-Brand, the organisation responsible for the planned transformation, describes these structures as an 'extremely complex building typology'. The buildings feature maisonettes in the centre and flats on each 'bookend'. Each building, with a size of 9,015m2, was constructed without insulation and boasts a complicated exoskeleton structure, which exacerbates the mould and damp problems within the properties due to the exposed concrete beams and columns creating direct cold bridges.
The housing blocks have an 'extremely poor heat loss form factor' due to their shallow plan depth, high surface-to-volume ratio, and complex exoskeleton structure. However, this development presents an opportunity to improve the lives of over 150 families currently residing in the properties. The transformation aims to eliminate fuel poverty by bringing their homes up to, and beyond, current standards.
The project is not without challenges. The open access decks, exposed concrete exoskeleton, architectural detailing with numerous complicated junctions, and the sheer scale of the buildings make the renovation a complex endeavour. Nonetheless, Stallan-Brand considers this a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to make a lasting impact.
An image of the buildings, credited to Peter Cordes, provides a visual representation of the structures in question. Further applications are expected to cover the masterplan and landscape proposals for the remaining 3.5ha plot.
Since the tragic death of Awaab Ishak at the end of last year, it is now law that landlords cannot leave tenants in damp and mouldy homes. The work on the housing blocks is scheduled to commence in January 2024, subject to approval.
This development promises to breathe new life into the Oxcars Court and Inchmickery Court, providing a brighter future for the families who call these buildings home.
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