Retrofit transformation of a historic Edinburgh landmark
If the refurbished walls of the Edinburgh Futures Institute could speak, they would tell of over a century of life-changing moments, against the backdrop of continuous innovation. For 124 years, these walls contained the hope, joy and grief of Edinburgh’s main hospital, as well as generations of medical students. They stood strong as medicine advanced in huge leaps. Now, with the transformation of this iconic landmark into a place of research and learning for the University of Edinburgh, the walls will continue to witness innovation for many years to come.
Retrofitting a landmark Scots Baronial-style building
The original building, designed by famed Victorian architect David Bryce, was greatly influenced by nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale and her vision for pavilion hospitals. This innovative approach prioritised increased space, light and ventilation to reduce infection spread and hospital mortality rates. It meant the hospital was large – extremely so.
Retrofitting an iconic 20,000 sqm space is not without its challenges. But Rab Bennetts, founder of Bennetts Associates architectural practice, has never been one to shy away from that. In fact, as an Edinburgh dweller who has frequented the hospital’s wards and waiting rooms, he found the experience of leading its conversion ‘thrilling’.
“Our challenge was to take a beloved historic landmark, the Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and reimagine it as a leading educational facility,” says the practice. “The existing building was in a state of advanced dilapidation as it had sat vacant for more than a decade prior.”
The completed Edinburgh Futures Institute now contains state-of-the-art teaching facilities, rooms for partner co-working, business incubation areas, labs for innovation and prototyping, and exhibition and performance spaces.
World-class interiors
Edinburgh Futures Institute won the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ at the prestigious Prix Versailles in 2024 – a global award whose merit is understood immediately on stepping inside. Bennetts Associates felt the building demanded ‘a rich palette of materials’. Their answer was adaptive reuse: preserving historical elements while integrating contemporary design and sustainable materials. The slate roof was taken off and relaid, finials replaced, and decorative stonework remade. A selection of large wooden floor beams and roof slates that were in too poor a condition for reuse have been incorporated into a sculptural artwork.
Russwood were very receptive to the specific requirements, and we specified a hard-wearing engineered board which would last. Russwood were also extremely proactive in assisting with queries we had about expansion joints and perimeter detailing. We were committed to getting it right to avoid future issues for the client.
Bennetts Associates
Russwood flooring adds warmth
One of the new materials specified, thanks in part to Bennetts Associates’ experience of working with Russwood on previous projects, was our character-grade European engineered oak flooring in Cinder. European Oak is sought after for its durability and timeless figuring. Sitting alongside the other interior finishes – the original vaulted brick ceilings and stone walls, glass, exposed concrete, and waxed steel – our flooring adds warmth.
“Timber was the natural choice for a lot of the important front-of-house spaces,” explains Bennetts Associates. “The deep tone of stain we specified sits comfortably against the palette of both the new and existing portions of the building.”
A harder-wearing alternative to carpet or vinyl
As it was destined for high-traffic areas, the architect also had to be convinced of the flooring’s ability to stand the test of time. Our European Oak Flooring comes up trumps in this department. The brushed finish is designed to withstand heavy use, and the boards can be restored when required. With regular maintenance, timber can significantly outlast more inexpensive soft flooring materials. Another environmental benefit is that it comes from a renewable and natural source.
‘’We have first-hand experience with Russwood’s fine quality and durability,” says the practice.
Specifier Tip: All of our oak flooring colour options are available in herringbone and chevron patterns.
A new subterranean events space
One area of the Edinburgh Futures Institute that required a particular focus on flooring performance and aesthetics is the underground, two-storey auditorium. This flexible event space has roll-out telescopic seating, which, when paired with loose seating, can accommodate 450 seated guests for lectures, talks and panel discussions.
“The boards in the event space, in particular, are very well-finished and sealed, which contributes to an overall sense of quality and permanence. The flooring had to work hard,” says Bennetts Associates.
In this space, Bennetts specified another shade of our European Oak Flooring – Antique – to trace and accentuate the outline of the concrete frame above. “This area has a very elegant double-column design, which continues along the roof with deep double beams. The flooring continues this pattern at ground level, which we think has been very successful,” explains the architect.
A place for everyone
The completed Edinburgh Futures Institute now welcomes staff, students and industry partners, as well as the public, who can access the cafe, outdoor spaces and events.
David Bryce would no doubt be pleased that the building’s motto – Patet Omnibus, which translates as Open To All – remains inscribed on its wall. This ethos is clearly being continued into its new life as the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
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Our Core Collection features premium European Oak and Larch floors that are durable, versatile, and beautifully pre-finished. A selection of our most popular floors are held in stock, including Cinder, and available with short lead times – ideal for time sensitive projects.
Products Used
Cinder
A modern dark floor with deep, smoky tones. Cinder’s semi-smooth, lightly brushed finish enhances the grain and adds visual interest.
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Antique
A deep, smoky European Oak floor with a consistent tone and a forgiving wire brushed texture – well suited to commercial or high-traffic settings.
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