The Resident Edinburgh wins Retrofit Award at The Scottish Design Awards

Morrison Construction Building Central's The Resident Edinburgh project has won the Retrofit award at this year’s Scottish Design Awards for its innovative and sustainable transformation.

Designed by MLA Architects, the project was praised for radically transforming ‘a poorly performing, non-listed office building into a high-end hotel’ highlighting that with ‘careful consideration, imaginative design solutions and collaboration, a building’s appearance and function can be greatly improved and lifespan extended’.

Formerly known as Meldrum House, the 1950s office block has been reinvented as a contemporary hotel that both respects and enriches Edinburgh’s architectural landscape. The refurbishment retained the original structural frame while reimagining the interior layout to suit modern hospitality needs.

This is only the second project in Scotland to implement high value material recycling of architectural glass into feedstock for the float manufacture process of new glass. In total, 8.5 tonnes, approximately 45% of facade glass were closed loop recycled to float glass, saving approximately five tonnes of Carbon Dioxide and 10.2 tonnes of virgin raw materials.

David Ewing, Managing Director for Morrison Construction Building Central business, said: “This project shows how bold thinking and a commitment to sustainability can turn a failing building into a valuable asset for the city. We’re proud to have helped give it a new purpose that respects both its past and its future.”