Orbis Commercial Ironmongery used in iconic Arup Building

Laidlaw Interiors ironmongery from the Orbis Commercial range has been used in the refurbishment and extension of Scotstoun House, home of Arup Scotland in South Queensferry since it was built in 1962. Working with Historic Scotland, the fabric of the structure has been extensively remodeled by haa design whilst the building’s essential nature as a pavilion in a park has been preserved. The new extension has attained a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and been declared Winning Project in the BCO Scotland Region Refurbished / Recycled Workplace category.

  Orbis Commercial products were used to update the modernist workplace   originally designed by Peter Foggo of Arup Associates. A combination of 'Round   Bar' and 'Entrance Pull' handles in Satin Stainless Steel were fitted to glass and   glazed timber doors. Back to back and bolt through fixing was used for 32mm   diameter handles up to 1800mm long. 'Return to Door' levers with Thumbturn   Escutcheons were also used on standard timber doors.


  The elegantly understated combination of concrete, glass and steel received
  B-listed status in 2005 but with a growing workforce and changing work   practices, a dark, cramped and inflexible building was no longer meeting   company needs. Gillian Lockyer of haa design commented, “It’s unusual in that

the company that built Scotstoun House is still the owner but it predates Building Standards and was thermally inefficient.” The listed status of the building precipitated a series of discussions with Historic Scotland and planners to enable the creation of a sustainable refurbishment and extension. Internally, built-in elements which were an integral part of its listing have been retained though all partitions were taken out. The design of the new extension is very understated in order to maintain a style which is in harmony with the 60’s style.

  Following a lengthy process of dialogue and discussion a truly sustainable   design was achieved which has given Arup staff a quality environment.


  Arup Project Director Douglas Wylie commented “The ironmongery was specified   to complement the high quality finishes within the building. Arup are delighted   with the functionality and appearance of the door handles and associated   components.Both product and after service to our Scotstoun House Office have   been very satisfactory”.