Case Study: 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh
Project:
- Technical Lead: Mike Higginbotham, SOPREMA UK
- Client: Vastint
- Location: 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh EH3 9FR
- Sector: Commercial
- Main Contractor: Telamon Facades
- Area Covered: Approx. 2,000 m²
- Roof Type: Cold, Blue Roof (Inverted System)
- Completion: On time and on budget
Products Used:
- DUOFLEX Hot Melt (Single Pour)
- ELASTOCOL 500 and Sopradere Quick primers
- ELASTOPHENE 180-25, SOPRALENE FLAM 180TF, and SOPRALENE FLAM 250AF membranes
- ALSAN Quadro liquid waterproofing
- DRAINI BTM rainwater outlets and GRP edge trims
Overview
SOPREMA UK was engaged to deliver the waterproofing system for the new-build development at 2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh, a commercial scheme that incorporates blue roof systems across two central courtyards and multiple low-level balconies.
Why SOPREMA?
Following a thorough assessment of project requirements, SOPREMA was selected based on its track record of supporting installation partners with detailed technical support, regular site inspections, and a collaborative working ethos that ensures specification compliance and quality throughout all stages of delivery.
Scope of Works
SOPREMA supplied a fully integrated bituminous waterproofing solution tailored for a blue roof design, which enables controlled attenuation of rainwater, helping reduce flood risk and lessen the impact on Edinburgh’s stormwater infrastructure.
The waterproofing system included:
- DUOFLEX Hot Melt (Single Pour)
- ELASTOCOL 500 and Sopradere Quick primers
- ELASTOPHENE 180-25, SOPRALENE FLAM 180TF, and SOPRALENE FLAM 250AF membranes
- ALSAN Quadro liquid waterproofing
- DRAINI BTM rainwater outlets and GRP edge trims
All materials were installed to suit the cold inverted roof configuration over a concrete deck.
Collaboration and Supervision
SOPREMA worked closely with Telamon Facades, providing ongoing technical input from the initial survey phase through to final inspection. Site inspections were carried out regularly by Technical Sales Manager Mike Higginbotham and SOPREMA’s site inspector Robert Day, ensuring a consistent standard of installation and providing opportunities for on-site training.
Challenges and Solutions
The project faced challenges that included:
- Complex detailing at junctions and around structural penetrations
- Scheduling constraints due to adverse weather
- High aesthetic expectations across visible balcony interfaces
SOPREMA and Telamon approached these challenges as a unified team. Through proactive communication and adaptive sequencing, the installation remained aligned with programme demands without compromising on quality.
Outcome and Benefits
- Workmanship: The capsheet was installed to a consistently high standard, with excellent visual results noted across all areas.
- Environmental Contribution: The blue roof design contributes to improved water quality by filtering runoff and encouraging sedimentation, supporting wider sustainability goals.
- End-User Value: The system will provide long-term protection and is designed to help future-proof the development against increasingly frequent high rainfall events.
Installer Development
All operatives involved in the installation received on-site training during the project and have since been confirmed as Approved Installers, a testament to SOPREMA’s commitment to skills development and workforce quality.
2 Freer Gait serves as a clear example of how early engagement, product compatibility, and site collaboration can result in a reliable and carefully controlled waterproofing installation.
This project demonstrates SOPREMA’s capability to work closely with clients and contractors to deliver long-term performance, even on demanding, detail-intensive installations.
For further details on SOPREMA’s roofing solutions or to request a tailored specification, please contact us today.