Craigmiller Peffermill

Energy-based retrofit and regeneration of two 1960's residential towers in Craigmillar, Edinburgh. The project puts people at the heart of retrofit, with resident and stakeholder engagement underpinning decision making and informing an approach. The project holistically balances energy, comfort, health and placemaking. 

The proposal goes beyond fabric improvements to provide residents with shared facilities, including cycle storage and community spaces. The ground floor extension is wrapped in a canopy which creates a plinth for the base of the tower, echoing the existing building. Relocating the external services has revitalised the landscape and forges a connection between the two blocks.

Collective Energy provided a series of recommendations within the RIBA Stage 3 Report to bring all flat types above the fuel poverty threshold. The ground floor flat, first floor flats above the plant room, and top floor flats are considered ‘at-risk’ flats; they are more exposed than mid-floor flats, and require additional measures to meet the same level of thermal comfort.

We continue to encourage the adoption of these additional interventions to improve the performance of ‘at-risk flats’. The proposed interventions address the specific vulnerabilities of these flats to enhance occupant comfort and reduce energy bills, aiming to match the performance of mid-floor flats as closely as possible. For instance, the ground floor flat is currently at risk of fuel poverty. This executive summary outlines the recommended measures to improve these flats for the design team and their anticipated impacts. If these additional measures are implemented, the current external wall insulation thickness may be reduced.