rusacks hotel

SAUK

The challenge

The Rusacks Hotel is an iconic building in St Andrews. With the Rolex clock facing the 18th Fairway of the Old Course, there are few with an interest in golf unaware of the hotel’s presence. Our client, SAUK purchased the hotel in a somewhat tired condition but with an intent to refurbish, rejuvenate and extend the offering at this famous venue. With the only available land being a small car park hemmed in by narrow adopted roads and existing building, the new 44 bedroom extension has presented many challenges from planning through to construction.

Our solution

The structural form for the extension has been a steel frame. Columns positioned to suit car parking layouts within the lowest level have necessitated a first floor transfer structure. From first floor, a short yet efficient grid has kept steel beams to the shallowest depths possible easing servicing strategies whilst maximising floor to ceiling heights. Foundations have been traditional pad and strip arrangements but complicated by a surprisingly variable rockhead level across the relatively small site. The building will be clad in a sandstone rainscreen of thickness defined to withstand the impact of stray golf balls!