Andrew Hadden, associate at HLM & president of Glasgow Institute of Architects on lowering carbon, cross-laminated timber & the ‘race to retrofit’.

Andrew Hadden, associate at HLM Architects has been a supporter of Material Source Studio Glasgow from the very start.

So much so, that when he was appointed president of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, part of his ambition for his tenure was to make Material Source the venue for the Institute’s bi-monthly member meetings.

With this in mind, we were keen to find out more from Andrew about how others can get involved with the Institute, as well as chatting through his current projects at HLM – many of which involve innovative repurposing of university buildings in Scotland – plus getting his views on the various facets of sustainability with the built environment’s focus on minimising carbon firmly in sight.

Here we discuss client vs architects’ expectations, phasing out accreditations, the commerciality of sustainability, and embracing the new Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard via projects at the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde and St Andrews.

Tell us about your role at HLM - what sectors do you cover? And what projects are you working on at the moment?

“I’ve been with HLM for over 3-years. I moved from a medium sized practice where I gathered a lot of experience in the hospitality sector, and moving to HLM has provided exposure to more sectors, which has been enjoyable. At HLM, I am primarily working across the education sector but am still in touch with hospitality having recently completed the refurb of the Marriott in Glasgow, accounting for 300 rooms, formation of new junior suites and refurbishment of the public areas – a significant project where our role was delivery architect.

“Specifically, at HLM in Glasgow, it’s higher education. Other regional offices in HLM cover different areas of education with our Cardiff studio, for example, specialising in new schools for primary and secondary education.

“I’ve been involved with several projects at the University of Glasgow. We were originally commissioned to undertake a learning and teaching review, which was an analysis piece helping them to understand what space they have, where there are inefficiencies, and to identify opportunities for development or consolidation.

"This led to a series of feasibility studies, which focused on key buildings and opportunities to support the wider campus strategy. We’re still working with the University - currently on the refurbishment of two key lecture theatres.

“We also work with Strathclyde University. We’re currently working on CHATIC, which is the refurbishment of the former student union to create a technology and innovation hub – so a building that’s known to many! Lots of stories, and a lot of history, there. So that’s a key part we’re trying to pick out – all that character of the building. So many cool bands have played there over the years, so we’re trying to harness that in our interior design strategy.

“The new space will include flexible workspace for University spinouts and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and there is also a social innovation hub and an inspire hub, both of which are key stakeholders within the design brief. The building is all about promoting connection and collaboration, and cross-sector working and private partnerships. It’s an exciting building for the University, and for us.

“Over on the East coast, we’re working with the University of St Andrews on a new building on the North Haugh, the more recent campus – built around 1960/70s. There we’re looking at a new home for computer science, but the building will also accommodate learning and teaching facilities for the University as a whole. The current proposals account for a ground floor which is learning and teaching focused with three lecture theatres and a café, and then the upper floors are dedicated to the school of computer science. This is another really significant project for the business.

“As I say, we cover many other sectors as well including healthcare, justice & emergency, and most recently the ‘combined sector’, which blends hospitality, leisure, residential and workspace too. Because what we’ve found is that vacant sites in city centres can often accommodate a mix of uses which is one of the reasons for the creation of that sector.

Some great projects there. And makes complete sense on the combined sector. How’s the BTR market faring now in Glasgow?

“The Scottish Housing Bill appears to have affected market confidence. What we’ve noticed is that many developments have flipped from BTR to PBSA.

“I understand that there is an amendment to the housing bill due in March, I believe, but whether that reinvigorates the market remains to be seen and may lead to further uncertainty but hope not.

“Whilst there are still schemes coming through, there isn’t the same scale of development as there is in Manchester, for example.”

So, it’s just being ready for the change when it comes?

“Yes, absolutely. It’s about positioning. So, when that change does come you can go for it.”

You're the President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects - what does that involve? And how does it complement your role at HLM?

“I’ve been involved since 2017 and have fulfilled the role of convener of the Architecture, People and Place committee and the Glasgow Urban Design Panel. Then Vice President, and in April 2024, I was elected as President for a two-year-term.

“The role of the GIA is to promote architecture across the chapter area, to the architecture community, but also to broader society. We do that through outreach – we have an education committee, which focuses on engagement with the schools of architecture, we have an annual student awards programme, we have a communications committee who promote our work, and also organise our annual awards, which take place in November every year. They launch in August, we shortlist in September, and the awards are in November – so that period is quite hectic. The GIA is all voluntary, so it’s done in peoples’ spare time. HLM has been really supportive and understanding in viewing my role as a benefit to the business.

“Architecture, People and Place is a great committee, we had a pop-up shop during COP and designed and built planters for High Street made from recycled materials. We also organise discussions and debates on a range of different themes. We have a conservation committee who have recently organised a design competition to reimagine Cumbernauld Town Centre which was really interesting. And there’s the sustainability committee, who currently have a very active building visit programme, visiting PassivHaus buildings, and those that are achieving high standards when it comes to their operational carbon.

“My daily role is overseeing the committee activity, and to make sure people have agency to explore their ideas. I love the GIA – it’s great. And, we’ve been meeting at Material Source Studio in Glasgow which I think has really helped to support a key ambition of trying to increase participation in the GIA by meeting in a cool, welcoming environment."

Speaking more generally about what those in the GIA are facing, there's so much for architects to consider in the current economic, environmental, and social climate…what are the fundamentals for you? And does that match what clients want?

“For me it’s about establishing the design brief and being clear on what your client needs from the outset. If a brief doesn’t exist, then engagement sessions are required to establish the brief before progressing. Engagement sessions are so valuable regardless of whether there is a clear brief or not because sometimes you find what they think they’re looking for is not what they need. So spending an appropriate amount of time at the start of the process is so important, because if you don’t understand the parameters, it makes it difficult when you try to move through the design stages efficiently.

“In the context of our conversations around climate there can sometimes be a disconnect between aspirations and what is feasible. Understanding carbon is hugely important and I think we are all on a bit of a journey trying to figure out the right approach."

This also could relate to accreditations, with some businesses either just wanting the badge, or not keen to keep proving the credentials over time…that’s perhaps where the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard has come in to help?

“Yes, we’re looking at the Scottish Standard on CHATIC and North Haugh. But because it’s so new, both the client team and design team are figuring this out. What’s clear though is there’s a role – sustainability champion – that has to be made client side. It’s so important having a champion client side who can drive agendas and support the design team when they come up against challenges such as budgets or insurance matters relating to a mass timber structure.

“I think the Standard will be good, and there’s also some great work being done by LETI, really clear documents being laid out explaining things well, which all helps towards educating and upskilling. I guess coming back to accreditations, BREEAM was prevalent, and there’s also LEED and WELL etc. But it feels like they’re being phased out. The focus is now on the bigger picture. Clients definitely see the benefit in net zero in operation because it saves them money at the end of the day. However, reducing embodied carbon is trickier to achieve.”

It does seem operational carbon has been cracked, but the challenge lies in embodied carbon – and that’s to do with materiality?

“In that area there’s the ‘race to retrofit’ (that was the name of the winning entry for the design competition to reimagine Cumbernauld Town Centre!) But there’s a real desire for retrofitting – from our own clients, such as the University of Strathclyde CHATIC project . The sustainability agenda is a huge focus for them.

“That in itself is perceived as a better route, as you’re working with an existing structure so there’s less embodied carbon, I’d say this approach is widely acknowledged as sensible. But there will still be a need for new buildings. So, it’s how you deliver new buildings with less embodied carbon but that are still affordable. It’s a real challenge.”

Are there any new tools or materials that are aiding you in this area?

“HLM has a design tool, which comprises a suite of digital tools. One of them is about briefing and setting expectations. And another is about post-occupancy and assessing performance. The one in the middle is called healthcheck, and it can be used to test early designs from different perspectives.

“The practice is constantly investing in R&D in this area to really try to push our agenda and offering, because we want to lead in this field. Increasingly we’re also exploring MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) and helping to understand how we can be using these systems in our future projects.

“HLM also offers a PassivHaus service. And whilst not every project will be PassivHaus, the principles are all still relevant to every project.”

To you, what makes a truly sustainable building?

For me, it’s about adaptability. If you look at our post-modern buildings, so many were purpose-built for a specific use. Buildings should be easily adaptable to cater for the needs of society in the future. I think we are seeing examples of this already with community campuses instead of dedicated school buildings and the shift away from purpose-built retail.

“It’s about materiality, yes, and all the technical aspects – heating, cooling, ventilation. But adaptation is most important for me.”

Make the building fit for purpose, whatever the purpose may be. And if we focus on the commerciality of sustainability, that it can actually save clients money…

“Yes, it could be such a powerful global movement. If it creates prosperity for people. I’m generally a positive person, but with the nature of my work at times it’s frustrating, because you see the stumbling blocks and it can set you back.

“There are positive things happening, positive signs. When you look at the projects in last year’s GIA Awards there were several which adopted a CLT structure and many others with fantastic sustainability credentials which is great to see."

How’s Scotland fairing overall with its sustainability efforts?

“I think it’s got a lot to offer. It’s really positive we have the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard. It’s important because Scotland has a unique geographical spread, geology, and environmental conditions so it’s needed.

“In general, I think we could look more to the Scandi countries – not just on sustainability, but also on how society works there. There are things we can learn.”

For anyone that’s keen to get involved in the GIA, speaking more around these topics, can they come along to a meeting?

“Yes – definitely, we are actively looking for new members, and trustees. We want to create a community of people that can help promote these things we’re talking about. Ultimately, many hands make light work. So, the more members we have, the better, and it’s fun! You can find out more details here.”