ECOSpace, Lauder College

‘ECOSpace’ is a highly sustainable training centre aimed at educating students in environmental best practice for the construction industry. The facility itself is built from renewable sources and incorporates renewable energy systems.

Brief
RMJM’s brief was to ensure that the nature of ECOSpace was reflected in the design of the building. It features a suite of construction workshops which trains future craftspeople from across Scotland and helps to redevelop many of the lost skills of the more traditional crafts in construction.

Design approach
RMJM utilised a range of ecologically sustainable materials and environmentally friendly techniques in the design of ECOSpace.

Careful positioning of windows maximise natural light and ventilation, these features were tested using dynamic thermal modelling and daylight simulation to evaluate and optimise to reduce air pollution, making the building both sustainable and economical to run. The single storey centre provides a new dimension in environmental awareness and creates an elegant, fully accessible teaching facility for the construction and energy departments