Green Gown Awards 2014 - Construction and Refurbishment - University of Edinburgh - Highly Commended

Transformation of Edinburgh’s Old High School into an award-winning, low carbon hub

Edinburgh’s historic Old High School has been transformed into an award winning, energy efficient hub for knowledge, innovation and skills.

The 19 month, £10.5million refurbishment, involved the remodelling of an 18th Century building and connected modern buildings and comprises an innovation suite, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and large atrium space ideal for exhibitions and networking events.

Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation’s (ECCI) new home is the first refurbishment in the UK to achieve the industry sustainability ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ (design stage), as well as Building of the Year in the Edinburgh Architectural Awards.

A combination of new technologies, innovative methods, common sense, and attention to detail has made ECCI’s new building an exemplar of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The resulting building is a successful negotiation of heritage and sustainability in an environment that fosters innovation, joint working and bold forward thinking.

Top 3 learnings

1 Historic buildings can be transformed to provide flexible and stylish spaces
2 When working in close proximity to live working buildings communication is vital
3 Use of natural light and natural ventilation lend itself to airy comfortable spaces that people enjoy spending time in.

What the judges say ...

The judges were very impressed that a complex listed building was able to achieve BREEAM outstanding at the design and procurement stage. The efforts made to integrate the project into the city through the replanting of the square and reopening of pubic access points is to be applauded.

What it means to win ...

“We are committed to being a world-leading socially responsible and sustainable university. We value working with other institutions as we support our staff and students in improving our own practices. Public recognition gives us an opportunity to celebrate and reward their enthusiasmand hard work.”

Mary Bownes, Senior Vice-Principal External Engagement