Leith backcourt in line for 11 mews properties
September 26 2016
Encompassing three separate sites the scheme will also entail conversion of two B-listed office buildings to residential use with the new build element taking the place of a former office extension.
This seeks to form an inner courtyard by defining the perimeter of existing backcourts with a contemporary zinc and untreated larch clad addition with each flat having access to its own private external space.
In their design statement the architects observed: “There is a charming tradition in Edinburgh where contemporary mews designs are located behind grander stone faced buildings which in turn face the public street. Many of these mews delight on discovery, and allow architects to explore relevant design themes including sustainable use of materials.
“In this project the site lies behind impressive historic (and listed) stone faced buildings on Bernard Street. There is an opportunity to design a contemporary mews building which creates its own welcoming ambience.”
A new addition will be formed from zinc and untreated larch
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3 Comments
#1 Posted by Vampire on 26 Sep 2016 at 17:55 PM
Love the ghostly tree that casts no shadow.
#2 Posted by Bill S on 27 Sep 2016 at 10:06 AM
Looks like an intriguing scheme; I think SSA are right in that the back-courts offer all sorts of possibilities. I wonder if there is too much going on in the elevation treatment within the courtyard? And the flat roofed junction between the 2 storey pitched roof, and 1 storey "L" return, is a bit jarring in my opinion, but I know why it has been placed there for the vertical access. Nevertheless, the apartments are generous in both size and natural light and seem to be quite consistent in scale and form in relation to the context which is excellent. I think the contextual elevations and 3d model really assist here and the material choice works well in this rough urban situation. The untreated larch may turn black depending on the over-shadowing, if any, of neighbouring buildings, but I am sure that has been investigated.
One final tiny moot point UR, the first visual, from the an adjoining plot looking NW, may be slightly outdated as there is a large window screen to the 2F whereas the planning drawings show two smaller windows to an en-suite and master bedroom.
One final tiny moot point UR, the first visual, from the an adjoining plot looking NW, may be slightly outdated as there is a large window screen to the 2F whereas the planning drawings show two smaller windows to an en-suite and master bedroom.
#3 Posted by Philip on 27 Sep 2016 at 19:11 PM
Mews- really?....surely not. It's a three storey apartment block.....
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