Port of Leith Distillery, Scotland
The Building
Opened in the summer of 2023, the Port of Leith Distillery is a landmark project. As the UK’s first vertical distillery, it is projected to host over 25,000 visitors in the first year alone as a flagship tourist attraction for Leith, replacing an old biscuit factory.
With the capacity to produce one million bottles of whiskey a year using its energy-saving gravitational distilling system, the nine-floor, waterside marvel features several flexible spaces for exhibitions and public events alongside a top-floor mezzanine bar with panoramic views across Leith, Edinburgh and Fife.
The Glass
The Port of Leith Distillery project benefitted from the use of Saint-Gobain Glass COOL-LITE® SKN 176 II. Alongside its solar control properties, the glass provides a multitude of advantages for glazing applications, including remarkable light transmittance which ensures spaces are flooded with natural light, fostering a bright and inviting atmosphere conducive to productivity and well-being. Additionally, its low g-value effectively minimises solar heat gain, reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems and contributing to energy efficiency and cost savings over time.
The exceptional neutrality of the glass maintains the purity of architectural aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal of buildings across diverse sectors such as offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and various commercial structures. Its versatility further extends to a range of glazing applications, from the sleek and modern facade of curtain walling to the structural integrity of exterior bolted glass assemblies. Moreover, its suitability for double-skin applications and external wall cladding enhances thermal insulation and weather resistance, ensuring year-round comfort and durability. In overhead and atria glazing, the SGG COOL-LITE® SKN elevates architectural design while providing effective solar control, making it a preferred choice for projects seeking both functionality and aesthetic excellence.
Other case studies you might like
Glass Forever – General Demolition: Building a Sustainable Future
Established in the mid-1970s, General Demolition provides deconstruction and enabling works across London and the home counties. The company’s expertise encompasses strip-out, cut-and-carve, and total demolition works in and around central London. With a recycling heritage exceeding 30 years, notably at their Walton on Thames site, General Demolition is richly poised for continued growth, having achieved an increased turnover of £15 million in 2024.
Carnegie Teaching and Research Building, Leeds Met University
The Carnegie Teaching and Research Building (CTAR), a £45 million state-of-the-art facility, serves as the flagship home for the Carnegie School of Sport, blending modernity with the historic charm of its surroundings. Its enhanced public realm offers a vibrant and flexible environment for students and athletes alike.
