March 31 2023

Aberdeen's energy sector is set for a boost with proposals to build an incubator and 'scale up' hub for new and expanding businesses working in green energy.

Conceived by Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), a not-for-profit company promoting the skills transfer of oil and gas workers, the hub will play a leading role in efforts to decarbonise the economy.

Designed by Halliday Fraser Munro a brownfield site on Hareness Road in the Altens Industrial Estate has been chosen for the build, which offers affordable industrial, office and laboratory accommodation in support of start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Standing as the first phase of a larger innovation campus the hub will facilitate early product development and prototyping in a building designed to Passivhaus principles. A perforated decorative screen will also be used to optimise solar protection and gain to the collaboration hub.

In a design statement, the architects said: "ETZ’s vision for this site is embedded in its location, Aberdeen, to build on its legacy of oil and gas towards a green energy future. It is an appropriate metaphor therefore that this first phase of ETZ’s masterplan is a nod to the colours of the granite city. That this cluster of silver buildings will support a new wave of innovation and enterprise in the energy sector.

"The building forms were inspired by Passivhaus principles, which dictate simple compact forms, minimal extrusions or recesses and structural alignment."

The design team includes landscape architect Raeburn Farquhar Bowen, services engineer Wallace Whittle and structural engineer Cameron and Ross.  

1 Comment

#1 Posted by Wish it wasnae so on 31 Mar 2023 at 21:19 PM

As we look to Scotland’s next generation of power and energy supporting buildings - could we please look beyond Aberdeen for practices to deliver them? Sheds sheds and more sheds … HFM are mediocre at best

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