The Playfair at Donaldson’s

Engineering Excellence in an Edinburgh Icon

Platinum Scotland was honored to provide specialist plumbing services for the conversion of The Playfair at the former Donaldson’s College. This A-listed masterpiece, designed by William H. Playfair and famously admired by Queen Victoria, is one of the UK’s most architecturally renowned buildings. Working with heritage experts City & Country, we delivered the internal mechanical infrastructure for the final phase of these opulent residential conversions.

Our Delivery

Working within a 19th-century structure of this caliber required a high degree of sensitivity and technical precision. Our team ensured that modern, high-performance plumbing systems were integrated without compromising the painstakingly restored period features of the building.

Client

City & Country

Location

Edinburgh

Scope of Work

Specialist Plumbing & Heritage Fit-Out

Key project highlights included:

Heritage-Sensitive Plumbing:

Installation of full domestic water and drainage systems within an A-listed fabric, ensuring all pipework was routed discreetly to preserve original architectural details.

Luxury Apartment Fit-Outs:

Delivered the plumbing for a collection of lavish homes, including high-specification studio, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom apartments where “exceptional design and build standards” were the baseline.

Penthouse Engineering:

Executed the complex plumbing requirements for the breathtaking penthouse suites, ensuring consistent performance and pressure for premium master suites and kitchens.

Conservation Coordination:

Worked in tandem with City & Country’s in-house conservation experts to ensure every installation met the stringent requirements of Historic Environment Scotland.

Bespoke Sanitary Installation: :

Fitted high-end, boutique-style sanitary ware that complemented the grand, 19th-century aesthetic of the building’s interior.

The Results

The Playfair stands as a global benchmark for heritage restoration. Platinum Scotland’s contribution ensures that while the building retains its majestic historic character, its residents enjoy the seamless, modern comfort of a premium contemporary home. It is a privilege to have our work embedded in a building that has been a cornerstone of the Edinburgh skyline since 1850.

BACK TO PROJECTS