Heriot-Watt University

In 1966 Midlothian County Council offered the newly founded Heriot-Watt Watt University the Riccarton Estate for development of a campus uni­versity in the West Edinburgh Green Belt. Weddles has been on the design team since 1968, making it the longest running project for us. Heriot-Watt University was the first campus with a Science Park in Britain. The Research Park is now on its fifth phase of expansion.

The University required new student residences, sports facilities, academic teaching and research, administration, social and catering and maintenance buildings. All development for an initial 3500 students, rising to 5000 and with future expansion space had to be fitted within the historic setting of the 17th century landscape Riccarton Estate. In addition, Heriot-Watt Watt University was to have the first UK Research Park. The Devel­opment Office was tasked to implement a phased transfer of Univer­sity departments from Central Edinburgh to the new campus.

The landscape challenge was to conserve and enhance the existing landscape, providing a high quality campus experience for students, staff and guests. The college building was on an important historic view point seen from the world heritage site of Durham City. Weddles solution was to use a low maintenance sedum roof system which was also light weight and provided insulation to the building. This landmark building is the first green roof on the university campus and has been widely praised for its environmental friendly appearance.

Location:

Durham, UK

Type:

University Masterplan

Area:

45ha

Value:

30M

Client:

Heriot-Watt University