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Retrofit in Focus: Teviot Row House | AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2026

As sponsors of the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards 2026, we’re taking a closer look at the projects demonstrating what thoughtful retrofit and reuse can achieve.

First in the series is Teviot Row House, shortlisted in the Conservation and Historic category, where Harley Haddow provided M&E engineering services as part of the transformation of this landmark Edinburgh building.

Home to the University of Edinburgh’s Students’ Association, the Category B listed building has been part of student life in the city since 1889 and is recognised as the world’s oldest purpose-built student union.

Its recent transformation presented a complex challenge: how do you significantly improve the performance, safety and functionality of a building that has evolved over more than 130 years, while protecting the character that makes it distinctive?

Engineering around an existing building

Harley Haddow provided M&E engineering services for the refurbishment, working alongside the wider project team to modernise Teviot for its next chapter.

The project was initially intended to involve targeted upgrades, including point-for-point lighting and small power replacements alongside essential compliance works.

However, as construction progressed and more of the existing building was exposed, significant deterioration within the building services became apparent. The scope therefore evolved into a much more extensive programme of upgrades.

Our team delivered the full M&E technical design and site duties for a near-complete strip-out and replacement of the building services infrastructure, including lighting, power, data, AV, ventilation, BMS, water and gas services.

Modernising without losing what matters

Working within an existing building, particularly one with Teviot’s history and complexity, requires a different approach to starting with a blank canvas.

New services had to be carefully coordinated around the constraints of the existing structure and historic fabric, responding to conditions as they were uncovered and finding solutions that could deliver modern performance without compromising the character of the building.

The wider refurbishment has improved accessibility and environmental performance while retaining and repairing much of Teviot’s historic fabric, helping secure the building for future generations of students.

For Harley Haddow, the project demonstrates the value of engineering that responds to the building in front of you. By understanding existing constraints, adapting as challenges emerge and working closely across the project team, historic buildings can be upgraded to meet modern expectations while retaining what makes them significant.

Being shortlisted for the AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards is fantastic recognition for the collaborative team behind Teviot Row House and for a project centred on giving an important existing building a sustainable future.

Planning a retrofit project? Bring engineering expertise in from the start.