Student housing spread marches on in Edinburgh
January 27 2017
Intended to form a proper streetscape and enhance the setting of a B-listed railway bridge and embankment the scheme is conceived as a U-plan block enclosing a central courtyard and garden.
Each gable is defined by a distinct brick ‘features’ with facades organized as a series of horizontal layers wrapping around the base, main bulk of accommodation and the roofscape.
In a statement the architects observed: “Each vertical circulation ‘block’ is expressed as distinct brick clad features. The two ends of the Russell Road facade are also terminated by two further brick elements. This establishes a massing based on the buildings function, its context both now and in the future.
This massing takes cognisance of the predominantly vertical rhythm of urban development within Edinburgh. In this way an agglomerated nesting of three dimensional forms is established. The resultant form is both of its place and expressive of the functions contained within.”
The scheme will meet the street via a ground level reception, common room and offices to provide an active frontage and reaches into the sky with a series of rooftop pavilions housing a common room and gym.
Surrounding council controlled land is earmarked for mixed use development
The scheme will take the place of an existing builders yard
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6 Comments
#1 Posted by Paul on 28 Jan 2017 at 12:16 PM
This area needs to be properly masterplanned if its going to be developed. Piecemeal development is totally inappropriate here. Horrible place to be living if this is the only part of the site which is developed for housing. Students coming home pished to this area doesn't seem a good idea.
#2 Posted by Basho on 28 Jan 2017 at 17:46 PM
What a bizarre location to kick-start redevelopment of this area. Right in the corner, surrounded by industrial sheds. I can't imagine to many students wanting to navigate past transit vans and lorries to get to their morning lecture on medieval Petrarchan sonnets.
#3 Posted by Daniel on 30 Jan 2017 at 12:54 PM
Come on, whose idea of aspirational student living doesn't include living on an industrial estate bordered by railway lines and an urban motorway?
(Terrible, terrible proposal.)
(Terrible, terrible proposal.)
#4 Posted by mark on 30 Jan 2017 at 15:08 PM
At the moment Russell Road is a dull street and I feel this development would bring life to the area and boost the economy for the small local shops and cafes around Roseburn and Gorgie.
#5 Posted by Donna on 30 Jan 2017 at 15:09 PM
I think it's a great idea, it will bring financial aid to the local shops and local community such as the local pub and clubs. It will greatly enhance the area with new Buildings, walkways and lighting.
Railways lines border many communities including Balgreen, Carricknowe and Broomhouse this is not always detrimental, there is no urban motorway within this area.
Railways lines border many communities including Balgreen, Carricknowe and Broomhouse this is not always detrimental, there is no urban motorway within this area.
#6 Posted by Daniel on 31 Jan 2017 at 15:01 PM
I was being somewhat flippant with the motorway comment but the West Approach Road is pretty close.
As part of a bigger scheme this MIGHT work, but given that the Council-led development at Fountainbridge seems to be stuck again, I can't see much of anything happening in the near future.
As part of a bigger scheme this MIGHT work, but given that the Council-led development at Fountainbridge seems to be stuck again, I can't see much of anything happening in the near future.
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