Borders Innovation Park Phase One

MLA were delighted to be appointed as Architects for the design of the first office building in the Borders Innovation Park, located within a former quarry opposite The Tweedbank Railway Terminus.

As the first building within the Borders Innovation Park commissioned by Scottish Borders Council, the design team sought to create a high quality first building which set the standard for the rest of the business park development.

Drawing on inspiration from the local rural vernacular the new office takes the form of a contemporary rural steading, and is two-storeys with simple pitched roofscape separated by gable end walls. The primary civic façade and main entrance faces the railway terminus to the west, whilst to the east, a landscaped courtyard containing the necessary ancillary service facilities with parking beyond is softened by planting.

Inherently flexible, the layout forms a staggered, L-shape arrangement with strategically placed cores at each corner. This reduces the overall scale of the development, whilst the glazed links that connect each element provide additional visual interest whilst also allowing for phased future development.

The external cladding is high quality anthracite standing seam aluminium to the upper mass and natural timber cladding to the external covered entrance. This hard/soft juxtaposition of materials marks the transition between residential development to the west and gateway to the mixed use innovation park.

Distinctive in visual appearance, the simple aesthetic is complimentary to the surroundings and, over time, the materials will develop a natural patination. The simple palette continues internally but contrasts that of the external façade with areas of natural timber cladding and bright, contemporary finishes.

Utilising a fabric first approach has ensured an efficient and sustainable building, the maintenance and running of which will be simple and cost effective.

With the iconic peaks of the Eildon Hills providing a grand backdrop, this new workplace is distinctly contemporary yet purposefully references the agricultural surroundings of the town.

It is flexible, expandable, efficient and promotes well-being. Phase one of the BIP sets a high-quality modern aesthetic for future commercial development within the borders.