February 11 2019

Fraser Livingstone Architects have followed up their launch a fortnight ago with submission of their first planning application, the refurbishment and extension of a disused public toilet to form a new restaurant.

Under the plans the brick Old Toll House building overlooking the Water of Leith at Brandon Terrace will be painted white with a new black clad pavilion ‘hovering’ above. A generous picture window will activate the corner of Brandon Terrace, Huntly Street and Inverleith Row.

In a statement the practice wrote: “The transformation of the Water of Leith, in a single generation, from dank, stinking, industrial sewer, to a primary component of the city’s green network and wellbeing infrastructure, has been a remarkable emblem for the positive evolution of the city. We understand the importance and potential of the river for the people of Edinburgh, and its infrastructure role and attendant possibilities for enhancement.

“The existing building, which formerly housed public conveniences, sits on the footprint of one of the old Toll Houses on the approach into Edinburgh. Its lower floor is retained and built up from, with a new pavilion replacing the existing roof. Small cantilevers are formed to the front and back, which hold expansive openings connecting to the Canonmills Clock and over the river to bring its burble and views into the restaurant.

“Externally the pyramidal structure is clad in black metal and topped with a rooflight to capture the sky and the tops of the river’s trees. A warm, timber interior is proposed, casting a glow along the walkway, opening-up to the river to offer sustenance to its walkers and animating the street scene.”

Part of the Inverleith Conservation Area the constrained project will require the removal of trees to the immediate south and west.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Drivel watcher on 12 Feb 2019 at 07:30 AM

Would make a nice wee extension to a bungalow in the suburbs perhaps.
Now that Malc is back on the seen, are we to expect a barrage of UR articles with paragraphs of Frasers verbose self promotion. I note three full paragraphs of the stuff here....

#2 Posted by Islands of sanity on 12 Feb 2019 at 14:35 PM

Flowery indeed now you mention it. How about adding “ the bitmac patch snaking it’s way in a reptilian fashion towards the mouth of the eatery.”

#3 Posted by Inahuf on 12 Feb 2019 at 22:56 PM

The grey stealth bomber aesthetic is reminiscent of a military craft beached on the banks of the burn. Odd version of contextual.

#4 Posted by Norman schwartzkopf on 13 Feb 2019 at 10:10 AM

#3 exactamundo. Not so pastoral - more militaristic industrial. Oh the pursuit of an aesthetic! Tut tut.

#5 Posted by Cadmonkey on 13 Feb 2019 at 14:52 PM

This doesn’t comply with Building Regs re. Disabled Access.
And furthermore I don’t see wher a person in a wheelchair wouldn’t feel in the way, except the accessible toilet.
Redesign required.

#6 Posted by Malky T on 15 Feb 2019 at 16:13 PM

"to offer sustenance.." as long as they have fanta and maybe a wee cake with those silver balls on it, ill be there to absorb the burble and pyramidal warmth.

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