Laidlaw Music Centre University of St. Andrews

Following the successful completion of the Higgs Centre for Innovation in Edinburgh, PMJ Masonry, in collaboration with GRAHAM Construction, were entrusted with installing a Darney Sandstone façade to the prestigious new Laidlaw Music Centre located at the University of St. Andrews.

PMJ Masonry were then further tasked with constructing two gate walls, which included detailed engraving and adding final landscaping touches to the magnificent building.

Scope specifics:

• Installing Darney Sandstone
• Constructing 2 gate walls
• Utilising traditional processes (frame cramp and mortar)
• Collaboration with GRAHAM Construction

Key challenges: 

Southern elevated recesses in the windows posed an initial challenge. But, by implementing innovative steel support designs in varied stones sizes, we were successfully able to overcome this issue.

Greatest achievement from this project:

PMJ enjoyed every moment of working on this iconic education project, contributing to the creation of an impressive space for both learning and performing. The use of Darney Sandstone gave the building a stunning uplift, and by leveraging our years of experience and innovative thinking, we were able to design a customised solution for the elevated recesses.

The result: 

The Laidlaw Centre now stands as an exquisite hub for St. Andrews’ musical endeavours, offering a space which enables community access, professional performances, tuitions and rehearsals, as well as undergraduate degree programmes dedicated to music studies.

Since it’s completion, the Laidlaw Centre has claimed a number of architectural awards:

• It was named as one of the Royal Incorporation of Architects of Scotland, 2023 Scottish Architecture Award winners – only seven buildings made this prestigious list.
• Winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award 2023 – awarded to buildings across the UK in recognition of their significant contributions to architecture.
• Announced as the winner of the Architectural Award for Public Building in the Scottish Design Awards.
• Named overall winner in St Andrews Preservation Trust’s Pride of Place Awards.