University of Strathclyde 'battery pack' to recharge a former student union
March 31 2025
The University of Strathclyde has filed detailed plans to refurbish and extend the former student union at 90 John Street into a technology hub.
HLM Architects will update the 1959 building, including a 1970s stair and rear extension, in its new guise as the Charles Huang Advanced Technology and Innovation Centre (CHATIC), a research hub and start-up incubator.
In a planning statement, HLM wrote: "The West facade remains relatively unchanged since completion of the 1950s building and 1970s additions. Due to this a large portion of the materials are at the end of life and some have begun to fail.
"By replacing the John Street facade, we have the opportunity to create a brand new visual identity for the building, with enhanced prominence from afar, tying into a bold new wayfinding and branding strategy for the building as a whole."
This will be achieved by replacing 1950s curtain walling, sandstone and granite with a 'battery pack bolt-on' building envelope to provide 21st-century energy efficiency. The practice added: "A dynamic, exciting and engaging new façade to the west, a battery pack bolt on to prolong the life of the building for another 60 years, will vastly improve energy efficiency but also aesthetic appeal, creating a clear new identity for the world leading CHATIC building..."
The opportunity to establish a new western 'front door' to the campus with an enlarged entrance will also be taken, with new lifts, a replacement lightweight stair and a rationalised circulation plan ensuring that the interior keeps pace with its new skin.
Adopting a similar colour palette to the Love Loan development with buff GRC cladding, red aluminium curtain walling and aluminium mesh rainscreen the centre will also include a partial sedum roof.
Visuals produced by Float Digital.
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5 Comments
Not a clue what Fb is on.
The previous design was much better.
Statement design that enhanced the whole project.
New version -- dogs breakfast / no consistency around the entrance.
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Value engineering numbers game.
Cheaper would be better -- Oh no don't give them ideas.
Previous version was much better.