Transforming Tynecastle High: A Sustainable Student Living Project

In late 2023, the University of Edinburgh made a forward-thinking decision by entering an agreement with S1 Developments to transform the former Tynecastle High School site into a modern student accommodation facility. This ambitious project aims to provide 472 student beds for the University of Edinburgh students, complete with exceptional amenity spaces centred around a beautifully landscaped courtyard.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is at the heart of this development. The project will utilise heat pumps to provide hot water and electric heating throughout the building, significantly reducing its environmental impact. This eco-conscious approach ensures that the accommodation not only meets the needs of its residents but also respects the planet.

Innovative Design and Historic Preservation

The redevelopment of the former Tynecastle High School exemplifies the perfect marriage of modern design and historic preservation. By retaining the school’s original façade, the project preserves a piece of local heritage while seamlessly integrating two new build wings on the north and west sides. This blend of old and new culminates in a contemporary, collegiate-style courtyard that offers modern amenities and sustainability without losing its historical essence.

Veitchi Frame, a leader in innovative construction solutions, is playing a pivotal role in delivering a high-performance structural solution. The project’s backbone is a sophisticated transfer structure incorporating hot rod steel podiums, specifically designed to ensure long-term durability, stability, and performance. The system allows for the support of the upper residential blocks, eliminating the need for a traditional steel or concrete primary frame.

Project Breakdown

Block B Specifications:

• Floor Area: 8,114 m²
  Block B spans over 8,000 square meters, featuring large, open spaces that require robust support. This block includes both residential units and key communal spaces, each constructed with efficiency in mind.
• Cold-Rolled Steel: 23,120 meters
  Cold-rolled steel provides the lightweight, yet strong, framework for Block B, enhancing its structural efficiency. This steel is shaped into precision components off-site, allowing for faster on-site assembly.
• Hot-Rolled Steel: 126 tonnes
  Hot-rolled steel is used to deliver maximum strength where it’s needed most, particularly in load-bearing elements like podiums and beams that ensure the overall structure’s stability.
• Programme Duration: 21 weeks
  Despite its size and complexity, Block B was completed in just under 21 weeks, showcasing Veitchi Frame’s expertise in efficient project delivery and time management.
• Project Value: £2,495,000
  The overall value of Block B reflects the advanced materials and construction techniques deployed to ensure longevity and premium quality.

Block C Specifications:

• Floor Area: 5,949 m²
  Slightly smaller than Block B, Block C covers nearly 6,000 square meters, designed to complement the overall development while contributing to the project’s modern aesthetic.
• Cold-Rolled Steel: 16,298 meters
  Cold-rolled steel plays a crucial role here as well, with over 16 kilometers of steel providing a lightweight, precise structural framework that supports both architectural and functional elements.
• Hot-Rolled Steel: 126 tonnes
  Hot-rolled steel podiums are utilised extensively in Block C, ensuring it remains structurally sound, particularly in areas supporting heavy loads, such as balconies and shared spaces.
• Programme Duration: 16 weeks
  The streamlined construction process allowed Block C to be completed in just 16 weeks, underscoring the efficiency of Veitchi Frame’s approach to mid-rise construction.
• Project Value: £1,925,000
  The budget for Block C reflects the project’s high-spec finishes and the careful integration of modern materials with the existing structure.

Additional Features Across Both Blocks:

• 2 Block, 2 Podium Structure:
  The development utilises a two-block layout, each with a dedicated podium structure. These podiums not only support the residential units above but also serve as essential load-bearing elements for other structural components, such as staircases and balconies.
• Floor Area for Entire Job:
  The total floor area for the entire project, combining both Block B and Block C, covers 14,063 m², creating a significant living and communal space designed with maximum comfort and sustainability in mind.
• Staircases and Handrails:
  Precision-engineered staircases and handrails are integrated throughout the building, contributing to both the aesthetics and functional movement within the space. These features are pre-designed and installed to enhance flow and safety.

The Tynecastle development exemplifies Veitchi Frame’s commitment to blending historical preservation with cutting-edge construction techniques. The two-block structure, complete with podiums, extensive use of cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel, and carefully designed communal features like staircases and handrails, ensures this project will stand the test of time. By preserving local history while embracing modern construction technology, Tynecastle sets a new standard for thoughtful, sustainable development.

Progress and Community Impact

Demolition is currently underway, and the completion of this ambitious project is scheduled for September 2026. The redevelopment will not only create purpose-built student accommodation for 545 residents in a car-free environment but also provide generous outdoor amenity spaces.

Central ‘collegiate’ style courtyards will support planting that encourages biodiversity and water attenuation. These spaces are surrounded by new buildings that act as buffers between the courtyard and surrounding areas, sheltering users from the adjacent North British Distillery and Western Approach Road.

Additionally, a community facility will be accessible from the adjacent street, and a sheltered Urban Farm will be available for use by the local community, fostering a sense of connection and engagement.

Conclusion

The transformation of Tynecastle High into a vibrant hub of student life is a testament to sustainability and innovation. As the project progresses, it promises to deliver exceptional living spaces for future residents, while preserving the historic character of the site and contributing positively to the local community.

Stay tuned for further updates as we witness this exciting project unfold, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.