Climate Success at Braemar Lodge Bridge

Braemar Lodge Hotel is located deep within Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, near the royal Balmoral Estate. On the grounds sits a steel road bridge that crosses Clunie Water, a tributary of the River Dee. Due to its exposure to harsh weather, the bridge undergoes regular maintenance to protect it from corrosion. This process includes abrasive blasting of the surface, followed by repainting, both of which must occur under tightly controlled atmospheric conditions to ensure the integrity and durability of the protective coating.

The Challenge

The repainting phase required stable humidity and temperature conditions to ensure the paint would cure properly and pass stringent quality inspection tests. While winter’s naturally low humidity helped reduce moisture risks, the cold temperatures introduced the potential for condensation forming on the steel, particularly when temperatures dropped below the dew point. Any surface moisture could compromise paint adhesion, risking the need for a costly rework. The contractor needed a reliable, sustainable solution that would maintain optimal conditions throughout the project.

Solution

Polygon was brought in to manage the climate within the scaffolded, envirowrapped bridge structure. Using volumetric analysis of the workspace and localised weather data from the Met Office, the team determined the required heating output to sustain a stable environment for painting. Polygon installed a carefully calculated number of heating units, powered by fossil-free Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), to maintain ambient temperatures above the dew point while avoiding unnecessary energy use. The system was deployed ahead of schedule, and Polygon provided real-time monitoring of humidity and temperature via a digital dashboard, along with 24/7 technical support.

Results

The controlled climate solution enabled the contractor to complete the repainting safely and efficiently, with no interruptions or rework needed. The use of HVO-fuelled heaters helped reduce the environmental impact of the project while keeping energy consumption to a minimum. Polygon’s proactive approach and technical precision ensured that the bridge maintenance was delivered to the highest standard, preserving this vital structure against the Scottish elements.