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King's Buildings House

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, KB Square, Edinburgh, EH9 3DL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a shop, advice place, gym and squash courts, badminton hall, eating room, common room, Mayfield Bar and Grill, Tempo cafe and deli, curle room and Blackford lounge.

Opening Times (KB House Building, Reception, Sports and KB Fitness)

  • Monday 08:30 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 22:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:45 - 18:00.
  • Sunday 11:45 - 18:00.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • This building is located at the King's Buildings campus off the West Mains Road in South Edinburgh.
    • The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
  • By Bus View
    • This building is served by the number 38 bus stopping at the Mayfield Road bus stop on West Mains Road, or the number 24, 29, 42 and 67 buses stopping at the Rankin Drive bus stop on Mayfield Road.
  • By Train View
    • The King's Buildings site is approximately three miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city's main train station. Buses are available from the station to the site.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are KB House.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 494cm x 730cm (16ft 2in x 23ft 11in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the KB House.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the KB House building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are electric charging points available within the car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There are two identical sets of doors on this side of the building.

Reception

  • The King's Buildings House Reception is located ahead on the left as you enter the building.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a bench seat to the right of the reception desk.
    • The bench seat has armrests.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to additional seating in Mayfield Bar and Grill.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to first floor from the mezzanine.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 2.
    • There is an easy ramp, with no handrails, for access to the Kitchen counter from the student's common room on the first floor.
    • The width of the ramp is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • This ramp is shown in photograph 3.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played in the restaurants and cafe.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Opening Times (Tempo)

  • Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Tempo)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right as you enter the side entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).

Eating and Drinking (Tempo)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located just inside the side entrance to the building.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 102cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 68cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 73cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • There are also high tables, bench seats and high stools.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 42cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 103cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet, tiles and wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a raised seating area that can be accessed via either a slight slope with a width of 106cm and a handrail on the left or alternatively two medium steps. (photographs 6 and 7).

Opening Times (The Advice Place)

  • Monday 11:00 - 14:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 14:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 14:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 14:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 14:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (The Advice Place)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the reception foyer as you enter from the main entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).

Reception (The Advice Place)

  • The Advice Place reception is located ahead as you enter the Advice Place entrance.
  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Advice Place entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • Seating is available in The Advice Place.
    • Seating with armrests is available on request.

Fitness Suite (Out of Service)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located at the rear of the left wing of the ground floor, through the standard toilets and changing rooms.
    • The fitness suite is 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • There is not step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The opening is 62cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
    • Training provided is in house.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes hand bikes, treadmills and free weights.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • The Gym was closed at time of survey November 2022.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-M.
    • The stairs are located at the front right of the building as you enter the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase at the front left of the building with handrails on the left.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the front right of the building as you enter the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, M,1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor and on the mezzanine floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Opening Times (Common Room)

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Common Room and Kitchen (Out of Service November 2022))

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, ahead as you exit the lift.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 144cm (4ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • The café was closed for refurb November 2022.

Eating and Drinking (Common Room and Kitchen (Out of Service November 2022))

  • The following information is for the refectory.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Common Room and Kitchen entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 28cm (11in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 92cm (3ft).
  • The standard height for tables is 69cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • The café was closed for refurb November 2022.
    • There is a Heat & Eat area where students can heat their own food (shown in photographs 6, 7 and 8).
    • The Heat & Eat area is rear of the Common Room, 25m from the lift.
    • The height of the worksurface is 93cm.
    • There are 2 sinks.
    • The height of the sinks is 93cm.
    • The taps are lever mixer.
    • There are 2 microwaves.
    • The height to the top of the controls is 147cm.

Standard Changing Room

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located in the standard toilets area on the ground floor.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the gym.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • The standard changing room surveyed was the male changing room.
    • The female changing room is located next to the male changing room.
    • The female changing room is similar to the male changing room.

Level Change (Fitness Suite)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located at the rear of the standard changing rooms, leading to the gym and squash court.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • The steps surveyed are in the male standard changing room.
    • There is an identical set of steps in the female standard changing room (shown in photograph 2).

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the standard male and female changing rooms.
  • There is not level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • The showers surveyed are in the male standard changing room.
    • There is an easy ramp to enter the shower area (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
    • There are no handrails.
    • The ramp is 78cm wide.
    • There is 1 shallow step to enter the shower in the male standard changing room (shown in photograph 5).
    • There are no handrails.
    • The showers in the female standard changing room are similar.
    • There is level access to the female standard shower area.
    • There are privacy curtains in the female standard shower area.
    • There is also a standard shower in the ground floor accessible toilet cubicle (as shown in photograph 6).
    • There is level access to the standard shower in the ground floor accessible toilet cubicle.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the building on entrance via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 200cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 95cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is good.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
  • Comments View
    • There are two toilet roll dispensers in the cubicle one at a height of 95cm and one at a height of 115cm.

Accessible Toilet (Mezzanine Floor (Out of Use))

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the mezzanine floor in the front left stairwell lobby, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 222cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 123cm (4ft).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The toilet was not in use at time of survey November 2022.
    • There is a baby change unit in the accessible toilet cubicle.
    • The height of the baby change when extended is 95cm.
    • This room is not square and widens from the front to the rear.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left of the building on entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.