The Edinburgh Futures Institute, housed within the restored Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, stands as a powerful blend of heritage and innovation. Its masonry construction is a testament to the city’s enduring craftsmanship, where historic stonework meets adaptive reuse.
The original sandstone façade—meticulously conserved—forms the backbone of the structure, showcasing classic Scottish masonry techniques from the late 19th century. Skilled stonemasons have carefully restored ashlar blocks, preserving the hand-tooled finish and natural patina developed over more than a century. Internally, selected masonry walls have been retained and integrated into the contemporary design, bringing warmth and character to the new academic and collaborative spaces.
Where new masonry was required, traditional materials were sourced to match the historic palette, ensuring continuity in both appearance and structural integrity. The result is a visually seamless and structurally robust blend of old and new, reflecting the Futures Institute’s mission: to honor the past while building for the future.