McLaughlin & Harvey has officially finished work on the University of Edinburgh's new Engineering Forum. This five-storey, steel-framed facility serves as the new base for the School of Engineering's Institute for Energy Systems (IES), offering 6,500m2 of space designed to foster collaboration between students and staff through integrated research, learning, and social zones.

The building has been designed as a 'living lab', specifically equipped to support hands-on research into power systems, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. The facility includes a variety of accessible areas such as a computer teaching laboratory, a Power Teaching Lab, a 120-capacity conference room that can be sub-divided, and two 50-seat classrooms. Additionally, the site features a student innovation space, dedicated offices for the Engineering Teaching Organisation, a ground-floor café, and an outdoor terrace.

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Sustainability is central to the project, with a rooftop photovoltaic array generating renewable electricity. To support its role as a net zero Living Lab, microsensors have been fitted across all floors, allowing researchers to track energy consumption in real time and trial experimental heating systems.

This development is a key component of the ongoing modernisation of the King's Buildings Campus. It follows several other successful projects completed by McLaughlin & Harvey for the University, including the Roslin Innovation Centre in 2017, The Nucleus Building in 2022, and The Usher Building in 2024.

Dougie McCusker, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: "We're proud to have delivered our 7th project for our valued client, The University of Edinburgh. Working within a live campus environment can present its challenges, however, close collaboration with the university and our design partners has resulted in a cutting-edge learning space for future students studying at the university's new School of Engineering."

Gary Meechan, Framework Director at SCAPE Scotland, added: "SCAPE Scotland are delighted with the successful completion of McLaughlin & Harvey's 3rd project with The University of Edinburgh through our construction frameworks. The success is not just measured by the quality of the building delivered for the University, but also the volume of social value and community benefits provided as part of the overall project."