John Menzies

Edinburgh Park
1993 - 1995

The award-winning headquarters for John Menzies’ Wholesale Division was among the first sites to be developed within the strict design guidelines at Edinburgh Park, masterplanned by the distinguished American architect Richard Meier.

With relatively narrow floorplates, good levels of daylight and high thermal mass, the building develops the same principles of a pleasant, energy efficient workplace as previous projects by Bennetts Associates.

Analysis of local climatic conditions, such as sun angles, wind speeds and temperatures had a significant influence on the design and, whilst there are opening windows around the perimeter, the use of mechanical ventilation from the floor void and an exposed concrete structure allows air conditioning to be avoided for 90% of the office areas.

The plan takes the form of a quadrangle, with repetitive office floorplates on three sides and a narrower block of accommodation on the fourth. This transparent band of accommodation and the circulation route that links it to the main office areas enable all the occupants to see the best views to the east and is the location for communal meeting rooms and the boardrooms.

The base of the atrium provides opportunity for casual interaction among occupants and sits adjacent to a restaurant. There is a high degree of transparency at this level which both makes clear the organisation of the building and affords views through to the extensive landscape beyond.


Project Information

  • Client
  • John Menzies (UK) Ltd
  • Area
  • 5,000 m²
  • Landscape Architect
  • Ian White Associates
  • Management Contractor
  • Bovis Construction Ltd
  • Services Engineer
  • Blyth & Blyth Associates
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Banks Wood & Partners
  • Structural Engineer
  • Curtins Consulting Engineers
  • Project Manager
  • Buro Four Project Services

Awards

  • 1997
  • RIBA Award – RIBA Award