We’ve completed the complex restoration and refurbishment of the iconic, Grade A-listed Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh building creating a state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility.
In collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, we delivered a visionary transformation of the 145-yeari-old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh into what is now the Edinburgh Futures Institute. Spanning over 21,000 square meters, with 6,000m² dedicated to new construction, the state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility breathes new life into the historic building.
Edinburgh Futures Institute is a new futures-focused space for learning, research, and data-driven innovation at the University of Edinburgh. This modern hub has been designed to foster multidisciplinary collaboration, digital innovation, and cutting-edge research. It features dynamic spaces for education, research, and events, as well as vibrant social and café areas and versatile meeting rooms. As a flagship project for the University of Edinburgh, this redevelopment not only enhances the university's capabilities but also rejuvenates a significant part of the local area.
Our work on the seven-year, multi-million-pound project comprised of:
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Refurbishment of the Old Royal Infirmary building: We restored and refurbished the original building to modern standards, including new foundations, internal steel frames, structural strengthening, and extensive repairs to the building fabric. It also includes new plumbing, mechanical, and electrical installations, as well as the installation of new lifts and fire escape stairs.
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New build extensions: north and south infills: The north Infills provide new accommodation and plantroom space with a concrete and steel frame structure, featuring glazed curtain walls and precast concrete cladding. The south Infills offer new teaching and learning spaces with similar structural elements and finishes, including feature staircases and comprehensive mechanical and electrical installations.
spent with local SME’s
reduction in embodied carbon
apprentices and trainees employed on site
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New build extension: event space: This extension creates a multi-functional event space beneath the main entrance square, featuring a concrete frame and waterproof basement construction. It includes light boxes for natural lighting, high-quality external paving, and a fit-out with retractable seating and audio-visual installations.
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New build extension: restaurant and café : Located on Middle Meadow Walk, the Canpoy restaurant and café extension includes a concrete frame structure with glazed curtain walls and precast concrete cladding. It features a new staircase, comprehensive internal.
Blending heritage with environmental responsibility
A standout sustainability feature of this project is the transformation of a previously derelict building. This initiative was central to the project, reflecting the University of Edinburgh’s commitment to reducing embodied carbon while honouring the building's historical significance. By blending modern techniques with traditional architecture, we not only preserved the building's heritage but also ensured its functionality for contemporary use while maintaining environmental responsibility.
The team prioritised retaining as much of the original structure as possible, resulting in a 40% reduction in embodied carbon compared to new construction. This was accomplished by minimising the buildings carbon footprint during the construction process and implementing several innovative measures. Low-energy, breathable linings, such as Diathonite plaster and woodwool boards, were used, despite challenges related to preserving internal finishes due to the building's Category A listing. Additionally, off-site prefabrication was utilised for services and new glazing assemblies. These strategies were designed to maximise embodied carbon savings while addressing the primary design challenge of transforming a building originally designed for isolation into a space seamlessly repurposed for modern use.
Empowering communities through meaningful initiatives
We are committed to delivering lasting social benefits for the communities we operate in, this includes regenerating communities, driving employment and training opportunities, as well as supporting small local supply chain partners. Throughout the duration of the project our team:
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Employed 105 apprentices and trainees, we have also provided 14 work placements, totalling 68 weeks of invaluable hands-on experience.
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Partnered with Capital City Partnership and the Ukrainian Reconstruction Academy, offering training and work placements to Ukrainian refugees, helping them secure sustainable employment within the construction industry.
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Collaborated with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) to create a new virtual reality site tour of the project for secondary school students. This, along with our drones in construction workshop, provided students with a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland's most iconic projects.