Reimagining hospitality spaces through sustainable and adaptive design
Tourism is a vital part of Scotland’s economy, contributing over £6billion annually. Visitors are drawn to the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene that the country has to offer. However, as travel habits change and sustainability becomes a greater priority, the hospitality sector must evolve to meet new visitor expectations.
Guests are increasingly looking for accommodations that offer both character and a commitment to environmental responsibility. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for the industry to embrace innovative solutions—particularly through the adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
The renovation and transformation of existing buildings into hotels and resorts is one of the most effective ways to create sustainable hospitality spaces. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, reusing existing structures significantly reduces waste, conserves materials, and lowers carbon emissions. Scotland’s wealth of historic buildings—from former estates to industrial sites—offers unique opportunities to blend heritage with contemporary design. GLM are adopting this approach with the former Forsyth’s building (30-31 Princes Street), Edinburgh, and transforming the building into a mixed-use hospitality space with bedrooms, dining and retail.
Adaptive reuse allows these spaces to retain their charm and character while being upgraded to meet modern efficiency and quality standards. Not only is this approach environmentally responsible, but it also resonates with today’s visitors to Scotland, who are drawn to hotels that offer a sense of history, authenticity, and sustainability.
specialists in the sustainable transformation of existing buildings
At GLM, we’re passionate about bringing existing buildings back to life, ensuring they are both functional and future-proof. Our expertise lies in balancing the preservation of architectural heritage with modern sustainability solutions, helping hotel owners create spaces that are commercially viable and full of character. By integrating hi-tech controls, energy-efficient technologies, and thoughtful restoration, we enable hotels to operate sustainably while offering guests a distinctive and memorable experience. Our approach ensures that these buildings remain valuable assets, delivering long-term operational benefits while aligning with Scotland’s broader sustainability goals.
case study: islay house – a model for adaptive reuse
A prime example of adaptive reuse in hospitality is Islay House, a little altered 17th-century country house that GLM helped transform into a luxury hotel. This historic building required careful restoration to maintain its period features while incorporating modern necessities, such as an endless supply of hot water for bathrooms, a new central heating system, and complete wifi coverage. Our team worked to enhance the building’s fire safety, accessibility and thermal comfort, all while respecting its original architectural integrity. We carefully picked the building apart and put it back together again. The result is a hotel that beautifully balances heritage with warm, safe and comfortable surroundings, offering guests an experience that is both authentic and environmentally responsible.
Islay House stands as a testament to how historic buildings can successfully undergo adaptive reuse, and facilitate a hospitality offering that is both unique and up to modern standards. Projects like Islay House not only add value to the local community, but the industry too.
The Future of Hospitality Spaces
As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, sustainability and adaptive reuse will play a crucial role in shaping its future. By renovating redundant buildings and embracing responsible design, hotels can meet the growing demand for sustainable vacations while preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage. At GLM, we are committed to driving this transformation, ensuring that hospitality spaces are not only sustainable but also rich in history, character, and long-term viability.
We are exhibiting at ScotHot 2025, why not pop along for a chat?
GLM will be at the Buell Hospitality Advisory Hub, Stand BA2 on both Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February.
