Panmure
House, Edinburgh
Extension
and Conversion of a Category A-Listed Building into the Flagship Headquarters
of Edinburgh Business School
EKJN
began work on the Panmure House project in 2008 when the Edinburgh Business
School (EBS) purchased the building from City of Edinburgh Council. The project
was completed in 2018. The house was originally built circa 1690 and is notable
for being the home of Adam Smith, author of 'The Wealth of Nations'.
The house played host to many of the notable figures of the Scottish Enlightenment
and was a hub of learned debate in Edinburgh in the 18th Century. By 1950
the house had fallen into ruin and was renovated at that time to become
a reform school for boys, opened by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. By 2008,
despite its Grade A-listing, the house was once again in a state of disrepair
and surplus to requirements. EBS resolved to restore it to its former glory
and to turn it into a modern seat of learning and debate, befitting its
historical connections.
The proposals include a new low-level entrance foyer, a roof terrace, and
an internal Reading Room and Lecture Room to form a 600 sqm DDA-compliant
state-of-the-art learning facility and an archive for the work of Adam Smith.
Contemporary interventions include the introduction of modern heating and
cooling systems and modern construction systems, the provision of fully
accessible lifts and access routes, and a contemporary extension toplit
by a contemporary glass rooflight to create a bright and modern entrance
foyer.
The renovation of the existing building utilises traditional detailing
and workmanship including a natural stone pencheck staircase, Accoya timber
sash and case windows, lime plasterwork, distemper paint finishes and traditional
tulip wood panelling with late 17th century detailing alongside brass chandeliers
to the new internal Reading Room and Conference Room.
The initial phase of construction went on site in 2013, with the full project
complete in 2018. The project was nominated for a number of awards including
the Museums and Heritage Awards, the Edinburgh Architects Association Awards
and the RIAS/RIBA Awards. It has been shortlisted for the RICS Social Impact
Award 2020, the AJ Retrofit Award 2019 and the RICS Building Conservation
Award 2019.
Photographs by Paul Zanre Photography and EKJN Architects
