Curran Building Level 3 and External Fabric Upgrades

As part of the University of Strathclyde’s campus enhancement strategy, ECD was appointed to reconfigure Level 3 of the Curran Building’s Andersonian Library and deliver a package of external fabric upgrades. Previously used as an administrative area, Level 3 has been transformed into a vibrant, flexible learning hub. The new space includes open-plan study areas for both individual and group use, a lecture theatre, meeting rooms, self-service kiosks, and a family-friendly zone with dedicated rooms for students with children. Acoustic separation and user needs were carefully considered throughout, supported by early stakeholder engagement and departmental adjacency analysis.

Alongside the internal reconfiguration, a key element of the external works included replacing curtain walling to maximise daylight and enhance the building’s appearance. Delivered in a live building environment, the project required close coordination to minimise disruption. ECD worked closely with University staff to develop temporary access routes and schedule noisy works to avoid impacting users. The project also involved complex MEP coordination. BIM was used from the outset to navigate the constrained services zones, enabling the removal and reconfiguration of existing systems. On the roof, ECD managed the process of raising plant and adjusting ventilation systems to accommodate increased insulation build-ups.

Following the success of initial thermal improvements, ECD supported the University in exploring further energy upgrades, using DesignPH to assess performance and potential alignment with the EnerPHit retrofit standard. This led to the specification of triple glazing and other enhancements that exceeded regulatory standards while enabling a phased, long-term energy strategy. Life cycle costing was used to assess options against thermal performance, cost, and lifespan, helping the University make informed investment decisions. The result is a high-performing, future-ready learning environment at the heart of the campus.

Awards: 

• Shortlisted: Learning Places Scotland Awards 2025, Refurbishment of the Year

Team: 

• University of Strathclyde – Client
• Clark Contracts – Main Contractor
• ECD Architects – Architect / Contract Administrator
• Currie & Brown – Quantity Surveyor
• Davie+McCulloch – M&E Engineer, Internals Level 3
• Curtins – Structural Engineer (Level 3)
• Civic – Structural Engineer (external fabric)

Photos by McAteer Photograph