Glenkinchie Distillery Visitor Centre

Blyth & Blyth were the Lead Consultant, Principal Designer and Civil & Structural Engineers on the project to refurbish the bonded warehouse and create the finish required for the experiential fit out lead by BRC Imagination Arts. Blyth & Blyth were supported by MLA Architects and Thomson Bethune as cost consultants.

The alteration and repurposing of the distinctive red brick bonded warehouse at the entrance to Glenkinchie forms the primary focal point for this new development which leads to a new visitor experience constructed within the existing Maltings building.

The conversion of the bonded warehouse required the structural and architectural solution to be sensitive to the building’s heritage and listed status. The works involved the formation of two major slappings whose foundations were design to straddle the existing wall with localized pockets to avoid the requirement for significant temporary works during ground works. This also enabled the permanent foundations to support the high prop loads associated with the formation of the major slapping.

The removal of large floor sections was undertaken to provide the client with inspiring double volume spaces and to house the
construction of the 2 new vertical cores for the service stairs, lift
and feature stairs. Particular attention was placed on agreeing a suitable fire strategy with the East Lothian Council Building Control to ensure that the timber bearers could be treated with a 30min fire rated varnish to retain the authentic, exposed timber, warehouse finish.

A great deal of thought was placed into salvaging materials removed during the formation of the slappings and double volumes during the works. This included the use of the salvaged red bricks within the landscaping as benches, lade balustrade walls and re-incorporation in the façade as bespoke feature panels.