The Edinburgh-based civil and conservation engineering consultancy is currently delivering a finely coordinated package of structural and civil engineering solutions for the redevelopment of 179 Canongate, due for completion next summer.

Working for S Harrison Developments, in collaboration with architects 3DReid and main contractor Clark Contracts, Will Rudd is tackling a complex brief involving heritage retention, restricted access, live underground services and a highly constrained urban site.

The site – formerly part of the city’s Magdalene Asylum and later used for gasworks and offices – required the retention of perimeter stone boundary walls and a 19th-century workshop building.

Providing a robust façade retention system for these has been critical to enabling safe demolition and allowing new construction, while also preserving Edinburgh’s built heritage.

A key to the success has been the use of 3D modelling and detailed digital coordination to integrate temporary and permanent works.

Will Rudd has been working in tandem with the wider design team to ensure the steel structure can be erected seamlessly through and around façade retention elements – mitigating clashes and ensuring programme certainty.

After the enabling works were completed, 3D laser surveys were carried out to check the exact position and condition of the retained structures. The detailed scans helped update the final design, making sure everything aligned correctly and reducing the risk of issues during construction.

The site has also presented civil challenges with an active Scottish Water sewer running below the footprint of the site. As part of the enabling works, ducting was installed around the sewer to allow a safe future upgrade.

During the main works, this approach allowed ductile iron pipes to be installed under the new structure without disturbing the foundation integrity. Laser surveys were again used to confirm final sewer location before piling commenced, eliminating risks of damage or costly rework.

The integrated digital workflow not only preserved historical fabric but also created significant efficiencies for the contractor and client, reducing risk and improving delivery confidence.

Even Sorgjerd, director at Will Rudd Edinburgh, said: “Delivering this project has required a careful balance between preserving historic fabric and integrating complex modern engineering techniques.

“With listed structures to retain, and a live sewer running beneath the site, our engineering strategy has had to be highly coordinated and technically robust.

“By combining traditional conservation methods with advanced 3D modelling and laser scanning, we developed a bespoke façade retention and underpinning system that allowed the new steel frame to be threaded through the existing fabric with millimetre accuracy.

“It’s a great example of how digital tools can unlock solutions on even the most constrained heritage sites.”

Gavin Jones, development director at S Harrison Developments Ltd, said: “This project presented a unique opportunity to sensitively regenerate a historically rich site in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

“Balancing the intricacies of conservation with the demands of high-quality, modern student living required a collaborative and carefully considered approach.

“Will Rudd’s deep expertise in civil and conservation engineering has been instrumental in delivering solutions that protect and enhance the heritage of 179 Canongate, while enabling the creation of a purpose-built residence that contributes positively to the fabric of the city.”