KJ Tait were appointed as MEP Consultants for the new headquarters for Ian Macleod Distillers, one of the world’s largest scotch whisky companies.  The facility provides a first class working environment for 140 employees and includes a large separate store, external car park and external infrastructure.  The headquarters building is a two storey steel framed building with an approximate gross floor area of 2,500m2. Whilst primarily office facilities for staff, the building includes additional facilities such as a whisky sampling room on the ground floor. 

Infrastructure works involved the diversion of an existing Scottish Power high voltage below ground service and new incoming electricity, telecoms and water services are provided from the adjacent local networks. 

As the building is located in a relatively rural location, a natural ventilation strategy was provided.  This was achieved via top and bottom openable windows on all facades.  A night purge system was also incorporated which consists of a series of actuated external window openings working in conjunction with two passive bespoke windcatchers mounted onto each of the architectural ‘lanterns’ above the main atrium.  

Originally designed in 2018, the MEP design underwent an overhaul in 2022 to both maximise energy efficiency and to allow the removal of fossil fuels.  

The development incorporates photovoltaic panels as a means of reducing its carbon consumption and also includes four active electric vehicle charging spaces, each with a fast charging unit.  To further maximise energy efficiency, heating and air conditioning is provided to all office and meeting room facilities by a high efficiency Variable Refrigerant Flow system.  Hot water and underfloor heating to the atrium is served by a cascade heat pump arrangement. This allows for a decarbonised services design through the removal of gas and the maximisation of grid electicity and PV utilisation. 

Credit to Clark Contracts and Alexander Fraser Photography for photographs.