This project (1997-1999) was designed as part of the masterplan for the former railway yard land off Lothian Road in Edinburgh. The health club completed the enclosure of Conference Square which was also encircled by the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and Cochrane McGregor’s Clydesdale Plaza.

Constructed in two storeys over underground parking, the building was part of the main Sheraton Hotel complex but deliberately maintained its own identity, both in form and the palette of materials. Both east and west facades were completely glazed with blue and green ceramic fittings. An outdoor pool was cantilevered from the upper storey and clad in aesthetically pleasing mica microrib. The Conference Square level was completely glass-walled, with spaces for shops and bars. This had the additional function of resolving the potentially unwelcome proximity of stone facades at the narrow pedestrian entrance to the area, providing the pedestrian with visual access through the building to the Conference Square.

Project Partners:
Main Contractor: Balfour Beatty
Engineering Consultant: Arup