Teviot Row House, Edinburgh

Teviot Row House is the oldest purpose-built student union building in the world. Designed by architect Sydney Mitchell and originally opened in 1889, the refurbishment of Teviot Row House came with its own unique challenges. Despite its medieval appearance, it’s only been Category B listed since 1970. It has a distinctive frontage with twin drum-shaped towers, inspired by the sixteenth century palaces of Holyrood and Falkland. Inside there are turnpike stairs, gothic windows and a magnificent hammerbeam roof for the Debating Hall.

The project’s brief was to preserve historically significant spaces such as the Debating Hall and Library Bar and the restoration of the 1960s Kininmonth extension, a key element in the building’s history. Works were carried out to improve facilities, including spaces for studying, social use, societies and student groups. Accessibility and toilet provision were improved, including additional gender-neutral WCs.

Enhancements were made to the building’s environmental performance with insulation, glazing works and LED light fittings and upgrades to essential services for gas, electricity and water, to improve fire safety.

The famous debating hall has been preserved and restored with the refurbished stained glass windows being one of the outstanding features. The Sports and Underground bars have been integrated to create a bigger, accessible café bar with level access, which will function as a flexible space for both day and evening events.

A new entrance has been created onto Charles Street Lane, which gives direct access to the ground floor bar and events space and with the installation of a new ramp to Bristo Square provides assistance-free access to Teviot for the first time. These strategic interventions will enhance the usability of Teviot, ensuring its relevance and appeal for the next generation of 21st-century students.