Lauder Buildings: image from RMJM

Scottish Construction Students - Workshop

Building PR from RMJM Scotland Aug 2005

Lauder College in Dunfermline has teamed up with internationally-renowned architectural practice RMJM to create a unique, exemplary workshop for students of construction. Plans revealed today presented 'ECOSpace', a highly sustainable training centre aimed at educating students in environmental best practice for the construction industry.

The facility, believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, will be exemplar, built from renewable sources and incorporating renewable energy systems which will reduce the energy consumption of the building and the impact it will have on the environment.


Construction Workshops: image from RMJM
Work has just commenced on site and ECOSpace will be open to students from
September 2006. The centre aims to lead the way in training for sustainable
development in construction by encouraging the integration of environmentally sustainable work practices such as waste reduction, re-use of materials, procurement of renewable resources and minimization of energy consumption. It will also feature a suite of restoration workshops which will train future craftspeople from across Scotland and help the redevelopment of many of the lost skills of the more traditional crafts in construction.

Speaking at the launch, Lauder College's Assistant Principal Janet McCauslin and Lead Manager for the project stated:

"I am delighted to formally launch this visionary initiative. The new
building will increase our capacity and allow us to help meet the expected demand of over 400 new apprentices required in Fife over the next 4 years. The new centre will provide Scotland with a centre of excellence for the construction industries and will allow its students to develop the new skills that will be required to meet the challenges of a sustainable construction sector for Scotland.

"Over recent years we have seen a growth in the number of adults who through an enforced career change chose to take up a second career in the construction industry. This centre will provide opportunities for learners young and old to improve their ability to access jobs in construction."

Architects RMJM have ensured that the concepts of environmental sustainability are reflected in the design of the ECOSpace building, which aims to create an exemplar project for the education sector. Major components of the centre will be made from renewable sources - a structural timber frame, timber wall cladding, breathing wall technology and a green roof system. The latter will reinstate displaced flaura and fauna as well as subtly blending the roofscape with the adjacent landscape. Careful positioning of windows will maximise natural light and ventilation, these features have been tested using dynamic thermal modelling and daylight simulation to evaluate and optimise internal comfort conditions and energy performance. Renewable energy systems will be incorporated to reduce air pollution, making the building both sustainable and economical to run.

RMJM director, Gordon Hood commented:

"In addition to the direct benefits of reduced running costs, a sustainable
design approach also creates healthier buildings, resulting in contented students and improved output all round. We are delighted to assist Lauder College in achieving an exemplar building for the education sector."

The building will also host a range of visible monitoring devices and units
that enable students and visitors to see the energy utilisation and heat loss compared to other parts of the campus. The centre will also have 'demonstration points' where aspects of the infrastructure and mechanical and electrical functions of the building can be observed.

The new building will also be home to Lauder College's ASPIRE Centre (Additional Support Programme in Real-life Environments), a new concept in creating real life and work learning environments for students with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs. This facility will create simulated living and working environments enabling learners to become confident and skilled for a more independent and rewarding life.

Assistant Principal Janet McCauslin, went on to express her enormous pleasure in having reached this stage. "We are immensely pleased to be in a position at which we can publicly mark the appointment of our Main Contractor, Muir Construction for ECOSpace. It's good to be able to share our plans for the building with local people and interested organisations. This building will take Lauder College forward into an exciting new area of work, ensuring that our customers and students experience education for sustainability".

Principal Dr Janet Lowe CBE added: "Students and their families invest time, money, energy and effort in their learning. In return we invest in quality by working towards excellence in every aspect of Lauder College's services and facilities."

Lauder College, Dunfermline

Despite over 100 years of heritage Lauder College embraces a very modern future. Since 1998, Lauder College has delivered £8 million worth of campus developments include the Business Learning and Conference Centre (blcc), Advantech, Media Space and Babcock Lauder Technology. Lauder now offers dynamic, modern learning environments and continues to modernise and expand its buildings and equipment so that our students can confidently pursue their personal goals and develop their potential for success.

The Phase-two development plan to be delivered over a four-year timescale to 2006-07 will see projects including ECOSpace, a new hotel, nursery, upgrades to the blcc and other projects

Principal Janet Lowe explained, "This represents a planned investment of around £10m, of which we have the first three projects - the nursery, hotel and sustainable development centre - well on the way with the others to follow in a succession as we raise the money and develop them."

No stranger to joint ventures, Lauder also boasts a string of educational awards for its partnership working. Recent laurels include the title of Scottish Employer of the Year.

RMJM Architects, Edinburgh

Leading architectural practice RMJM has taken an active role in promoting
environmental best practice for over 30 years. Pioneering, low-energy buildings such as the Scottish Executive Headquarters in Edinburgh and the Zuckermann Institute for Connective Environmental Research at the University of East Anglia have been recognised for their innovation, design and environmental credentials.

RMJM's teams of architects and engineers are committed to designing to the
highest possible standards and part of this commitment is to create buildings which have minimum impact on the environment as well as providing optimal internal conditions, reducing energy consumption, associated emissions and running costs.

Issued on behalf of the Lauder College and RMJM

RMJM Architects: Lauder College Scotland - Building PR 30 Aug 2005
The style of the building is very reminiscent of the earlier SPPA HQ in Galashiels in its use of timber framing extending into the landscape and low recitlinear forms.




Edinburgh Property

RMJM - Key Projects:
Palm Island Dubai
British Home Stores, Edinburgh (Robert Matthew)
Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Falkirk Wheel
Newcastle College
Homes for the Future, Glasgow
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Glasgow Harbour - various buildings

 
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Lauder College - Ecospace Website: www.lauder.ac.uk/homepage/ecospace.cfm