
Stow College (The Glasgow School of Art)
Part of a major refurbishment project led by The Glasgow School of Art, the former Stow College building has been transformed into the new home for the School of Fine Art.
Synopsis
The iconic 1930s building at Stow College holds a special place in Glasgow’s history as the city’s first purpose-built further education college. Over its 80-year legacy, it has become a cherished landmark, recognised for its pivotal role in shaping Glasgow’s educational landscape. During World War II, the building served as a Rolls Royce production centre, manufacturing aero engines to support the war effort, a testament to its historical significance.
As part of a major refurbishment project led by The Glasgow School of Art, the former Stow College building has been transformed into the new home for the School of Fine Art. This ambitious undertaking included a complete overhaul of the roof, which had deteriorated after years of overlays and patchwork repairs. The project not only breathed new life into this Glasgow landmark, but also created inspirational and truly world-class teaching and learning spaces for the School of Fine Art. Additionally, by upgrading the insulation to meet contemporary standards, the refurbishment enhanced the building’s thermal performance, ensuring its efficiency and sustainability for generations to come.
The exceptional craftsmanship and innovation demonstrated in the roof’s restoration earned the project a prestigious accolade at the 2024 NFRC Scottish Roofing Awards.
Project | Stow College |
Type | Refurbishment |
Location | Glasgow, Scotland |
Roof size | 1,772 m² |
Waterproofing system | Bauderflex |
Client | Glasgow School of Art |
Main contractor | Morrison Construction |
Approved contractor | Ashton Building Systems |
The specification
The project entailed stripping the old roofing system down to the deck to allow for a fresh start. The original drainage system was initially planned to be replaced with a perimeter external gutter. However, the scope was revised, leading to the upgrading of the original drainage system. This revision demanded careful redesign to mitigate the risk of ponding water, achieved through improved planning and the use of Bauder's refurbishment outlets.
Project challenges
One of the primary challenges of this project was the roof’s condition, which was not entirely visible from initial core samples. This limitation necessitated the use of Bauder’s advanced moisture mapping Troxler Gauge to accurately pinpoint areas with trapped moisture.
The change in drainage design mid-project also required a return to the drawing board to ensure an effective solution. Bauder's team, led by senior site technician Francis Murray, conducted over 30 site visits to verify designs and inspect the roof during construction. This hands-on approach ensured the delivery of a high-quality, durable roofing solution.

Bauderflex system
In-depth and up-to-date product-specific technical data is available for each element within a system.
Download system summary:
BauderFLEX
Select Function
The result
The refurbished roof provides a modern, thermally efficient system guaranteed for 20 years. This achievement underscores the collaboration between Bauder, Ashton Building Systems, and Morrison Construction, showcasing Bauder’s commitment to diagnosing and solving complex roofing challenges.
The success of this project highlights Bauder's expertise in delivering tailored roofing solutions while maintaining high standards of quality and durability.
Testimonial
Mark Stirling, Morisson Construction, said:
“We recently completed a major refurbishment of the Stow College Building for The Glasgow School of Art, in collaboration with Bauder and Ashton Building Services. The project involved the removal and refurbishment of the external cladding and roof finishes on the 6th floor of the building.
This complex project required significant planning and support from Bauder during the pre-construction phase to develop and finalise a robust, efficient design solution tailored to The Glasgow School of Art's needs. Bauder’s technical team provided ongoing support throughout the works, enabling swift identification, agreement, and implementation of technical solutions for any onsite issues.
Close liaison with building occupiers was essential to ensure the building remained fully operational throughout the refurbishment. Bauder’s expertise helped minimise disruption and maintain a seamless experience for all users.
All defects and snagging items were managed timeously during the construction phase, resulting in zero outstanding issues at completion, which is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.
The works were completed ahead of schedule, to an exceptionally high standard, with risks to building occupiers effectively managed and controlled throughout. This achievement reflects the hard work and collaboration of the entire project team.
Thanks again for your invaluable support throughout this challenging project.”
Stewart Mackenzie, Area Technical Manager Stow College was one of my first difficult refurbishment projects when I joined Bauder. The condition of the roof was not entirely visible from our core samples and that’s when we utilised our Troxler Gauge to identify exactly where the moisture was trapped.
In conjunction with our approved contractor, Ashton Building Systems, we managed to get this project over the line for Morrison Construction. This is a great project for Bauder’s Scottish region as it showcases not only our ability to diagnose roof issues, but also provide excellent approved contractors to carry out the works in conjunction with our specification.
