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Trimontium Museum

The upgrade and expansion of a Roman fort museum in the Scottish Borders

Nighttime view of a modern two‑storey metal‑clad building with a large illuminated upper window, set beside older stone buildings and parked vehicles in a wet parking lot.

Location

Melrose, Scotland, United Kingdom

Client

Scottish Borders Council

Architect

SBC Architects

The refurbishment and extension of the Trimontium Museum appointed Cundall’s building services team to deliver works in areas including the reading room, circulation space and stores. Toilets were reconfigured to provide gender‑neutral and accessible facilities, along with upgraded and relocated electrical utilities. A new gas main and boiler were installed, with pipework prepared for Phase 2. Water services were altered and sub‑metered, and above‑ground drainage was installed in accordance with BS EN 12056. Museum areas were refurbished, including the addition of a new Cinema/AV room, retail space, and link corridor. 

The Phase 2 extension comprised a mezzanine‑level structure, with the ground floor providing additional museum and multipurpose space and the mezzanine overlooking the double‑height area. Heating was extended from the existing system, with the boiler supplying wall‑mounted radiators. Cold‑water services were taken from the existing mains and supported by a local electric water heater. New exhibition lighting with track‑run dimming was installed, and small power routed through the floor void. Fire alarm, CCTV and security systems were installed for the HALO extension and integrated with Phase 1, with all connections completed out of operational hours. 

Gareth Lusk, Principal Mechanical Engineer, commented “It was a privilege to contribute to the Trimontium Museum project. The team was pleased to upgrade and expand the museum, providing a high‑quality educational environment for visitors.” 

Key fact

It is the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall   

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Key fact

The museum has won over 10 awards, ranging from the Thistle Awards to the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 

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Key fact

A rear extension with ground and first‑floor levels was constructed to expand museum functionality

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Graham sat in a pale shirt with grey suit jacket and brown tie smiling at the camera.

Graham Thomson

Associate Director, Building Services

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Being part of the Trimontium Museum project was a rewarding experience. Delivering upgraded building services, new exhibition spaces and improved visitor facilities allowed us to support the museum’s ambition to create a modern, engaging environment for future generations.

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