Since 1996, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – one of the world’s most outstanding concert venues – has been undergoing a £30 million pound renovation. As the extensive project neared completion, leading waterproofing and roofing specialist, BriggsAmasco, was appointed to install a new roofing system and complete an overhaul of the existing roofs at the landmark building.
Refurbishment began in 1998 with the renewal of electrical systems, installation of new ventilation and heating systems and the repair and redecoration of the auditorium and foyer. Following additional funding of £11 million, Phase II in the venue’s regeneration commenced in 1999 with the upgrading of existing facilities, plus the construction of a new wing, leading to the requirement for new roofs.
A strikingly elegant building, Usher Hall is located on Lothian Road, in the busy financial district of Edinburgh. It is surrounded by occupied office buildings and theatres, which presented logistical challenges to BriggsAmasco. The company overcame these by utilising two fast-application, non-intrusive roofing systems to cause minimal disruption to local residents.
The project included a high specification redevelopment at the building’s front of house, including a new flat-roof waterproofing system. For this, the company installed mastic asphalt roofing to provide long-term performance, durability and a fast installation process.
For the new-build part of the project, a Sarnafil single ply membrane flat roof was specified to provide a subservient extension to the main hall. Again, long-term performance was a key feature in its specification with the quick and simple application ensuring the project met the client’s aesthetic and timescale demands.
Overcoming severe challenges, including access and noise issues caused by its city-centre location, BriggsAmasco provided outstanding workmanship to deliver a high performance roofing system and complete all aspects of the project to the very highest standard.
Now the roofing application is complete, the sympathetic redevelopment has embraced the building’s existing architecture whilst bringing the roof up to contemporary standards. Set to house some of the world’s most famous performers – including Don McLean, Ray Davies and Led Zeppelin – the roofs at Usher Hall are guaranteed to provide excellent protection from the elements, for the performers, staff and the audience.