April 13 2023

Detailed plans have been brought forward for a new hotel at 104-108 Princes Street by 3DReid Architects.

Drawing on earlier consultations the finalised plan will tidy up the streetscape with a new blonde sandstone facade to blend in with its historic neighbours. As part of this process, existing shopfronts will be removed for more sympathetic solutions, returning lost character to the street.

A complementary approach to the rear facade at Rose Street South Lane, with four distinct facades of mixed brick and retained stone, helps to activate the thoroughfare. These separate elements will be unified at a high level by a darker roofscape.

Explaining how the site will be opened up by returning to the original built form the architects observed: "When the plots were initially developed, there was a 3 storey (plus basement and attic) townhouse fronting Princes Street, a gap in the centre of the site and a 3 storey (plus basement) mews building facing Rose Street South Lane. Over time, as the plots were redeveloped, the “gaps” (courtyards) were lost to create additional floor space within the buildings and increase the density accordingly.

"As part of the new development, it is proposed that these historic courtyard forms be reintroduced. There are three Courtyards within the site, each with its own character derived from the feus which frame them."

Three parallel courtyards will be created through this process, each interfacing with surrounding elements to bring light deep into the plan.

3 Comments

#1 Posted by KLD on 14 Apr 2023 at 11:45 AM

Looks great but I would have removed the townhouse (potentially retaining the façade) and added a modern link building.

#2 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 14 Apr 2023 at 12:23 PM

I like much of the newbuild proposal however feel the new grey roof section is far to bulky and would benefit from being set back.

#3 Posted by Jordan Sanderson on 17 Apr 2023 at 15:47 PM

An exemplary design and great to see these old buildings saved for future generations. However, I would like to see a bit more colour in these buildings which are grey, perhaps some blue and red shades, brightening up the street. However, one for the architecture awards in due course.

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