Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive project will deliver 373 homes including family and affordable housing across 4 apartment blocks to Leith in Edinburgh. Designed by architects 3Dreid with Hart Builders as the main contractor, the project will be one of Scotland’s most sustainable residential developments due to a 55% reduction in operational carbon emissions. Interestingly, all 4 blocks were built simultaneously.

Initially, CFS were approached by subcontractors McAleer and Rushe with the plan to introduce masonry support on the piers at every other level up to the roof. This initially presented challenges, particularly at the corners, because of the large cantilever due to the shape of the building and the cavity depth.

At Level 12, McAleer and Rushe had also intended to support all the way to the roof, spanning 2 and 3/4 levels. Unfortunately, this approach proved unfeasible due to excessive loads on the fixings, especially in the corners.

To support the excessive loads on the fixings CFS recommended adding an additional support at Level 14 which relieved the load.

Photo taken from McAleer and Rushe website.