October 19 2023

Big change is in store for a B-listed Victorian commercial unit on Dundee's Trades Lane with proposals to fashion five apartments ground floor with a further nine new build flats on land to the rear.

Chameleon with architect KennedyTwaddle will focus on the ground floor of the existing building, the upper floor being in residential use already, introducing a new common entrance and a communal roof terrace, accessible by passenger lift. Etched glass at lower level will be used to provide privacy for occupants.

A five-storey new build block to the rear of the triangular site is also planned by demolishing a disconnected blockwork shed, with a raised ground floor to mitigate against flood risk. In a design statement, the practice wrote: "Due to the nature of the plot - an open space to the north west and the listed building to the south east - the new proposal is in a position to be elevated above the rest of the site with no potential for interruption. The effect of this is to have two corners to the new element and the potential to introduce corner windows.

"In addition to the corners added inspiration for the fenestration came from the former manufacturing of candles in Candle Lane - the somewhat varying forms associated with this and the asymmetrical alignment of windows found in castles.

"These corner windows signify the living areas within and allow more natural light into these important rooms in each apartment. They will be raised from the internal floor finish creating an interesting change of level externally while accommodating a window bench internally."

The scheme follows plans for a five storey apartment block on Candle Lane which is currently under construction. 

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Great Uncle Beet on 19 Oct 2023 at 11:59 AM

This hurts my soul...

#2 Posted by Tranent Crescent on 19 Oct 2023 at 16:02 PM

The city of dundee knocked down buildings that were considered " eyesores"
So why build this in its place ?
X

#3 Posted by Darius on 19 Oct 2023 at 16:15 PM

While it's encouraging to see development and investment in Dundee, I have some concerns about the quality and aesthetics of the new buildings being proposed in the city. The focus on repurposing a B-listed Victorian commercial unit is a positive step.

However, the design of the new build block at the rear, with its corner windows inspired by Candle Lane's history, leaves room for improvement. The incorporation of historical elements is a thoughtful touch, but it's crucial that these elements blend harmoniously with the city's architectural heritage. The reference to castles and the somewhat varying forms associated with candle manufacturing might lead to a design that feels disjointed or out of place in the context of the existing neighborhood.

#4 Posted by Christine Greig on 20 Oct 2023 at 01:01 AM

It's nice to see dark Victorian Dundee made modern and bright .
Up-to-date technology. A bright future to brighter Dundee....xxx

#5 Posted by Stephen Quinn on 20 Oct 2023 at 09:02 AM

Another bland box. Too many shoebox style houses appearing in Dundee.

#6 Posted by D to the R on 20 Oct 2023 at 19:30 PM

Oh dear......

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