Edinburgh Printmakers - Harley Haddow

Introduction

Through the redevelopment of a former Northern British Rubber Company complex, Edinburgh Printmakers now provides a multi award-winning space for artists to develop their practice. The design of the creative hub fought to encapsulate the heritage of the existing building, whilst keeping sustainability at the forefront of the development. This culminated in a solution that will stand the test of time whilst also being capitally viable.

The integration of innovative techniques has allowed Printmakers to provide a space that pays homage to its story whilst simultaneously cultivating a contemporary environment that serves as inspiration for the artists it now hosts.

Gallery

Background

This award-winning project involved the redevelopment of a listed building to create a multi-use arts complex for Edinburgh Printmakers. The scheme transformed the historic structure into a contemporary cultural facility while preserving its architectural significance and supporting a wide range of creative and public activities.

Challenges

Working within a listed building required sensitive integration of modern building services without compromising historic fabric. Achieving high environmental performance within an existing structure also presented challenges, particularly in reducing energy demand while maintaining comfortable internal conditions for both occupants and specialist artistic processes.

Solutions

Harley Haddow delivered the full design of the building services and energy and sustainability installations, with environmental and cost efficiency central to the approach. The building fabric was optimised to reduce heating, ventilation and cooling loads, while low-energy MEP systems were introduced alongside high-efficiency heat recovery. LED lighting, combined with occupancy and daylight controls, further reduced energy consumption while providing flexible and high-quality lighting for the arts spaces.

Project awards

2019 Brick Awards – Refurbishment Category – Shortlisted

2019 GIA Awards – Leisure/Arts – Winner

2019 Blueprint Awards – Best Building Re-use – Shortlisted

2020 Civic Trust Awards – Regional Finalist – Shortlisted

2020 RIAS Award – Shortlisted

2020 Scottish Design Awards – Building Re-Use Category – Winner