CCO Architects were commissioned by Axcel Hospitality Ltd (Croydon) to transform an existing Highland Council office building into a 70+ bedroom hotel.

The project began with a complete strip-out of the building, followed by a comprehensive 3D survey to identify renovation challenges. Key areas of concern included the coffered concrete ceilings and floors, as well as the deteriorated mansard roof, which had suffered from years of neglect.

The 3D survey data proved invaluable for coordinating building services and planning their integration through the coffered floor structure. Using Revit software, CCO created a full BIM model to design and coordinate the development alongside M&E consultant Rybka and structural/civil engineer Neil Ross.

The project faced typical constraints of working within an existing building on a tight urban site, with an adjacent redevelopment occurring simultaneously. Local contractor WGC Scotland successfully delivered the project on schedule.

Highland Council provided strong support for CCO’s scheme, with the practice’s established track record in Inverness proving beneficial in securing approval from the local authority, neighbours, and the broader design team.