April 10 2019

Thistle, a charity dedicated to providing support for people with long-term health conditions, has advanced plans for a new community and wellbeing facility adjacent to its existing base in Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

Replacing an outdated existing structure the new ‘Garden Rooms’ have been designed by 3DReid to offer a range of facilities better suited to community outreach and activities.

A comprehensive consultation exercise over the past year elicited a diverse set of requirements for the new addition including a 140sq/m activity space, kitchen, workshop, studio and meditation space.

Situated within the Thistle Estate, a collection of B-listed houses and covered walkways built in the post-war years to accommodate wounded servicemen, the design incorporates visual features such as archways, chimney stacks and gables reflecting the A-listed Robin chapel and domestic properties.

Chris Dobson, associate director, 3DReid: “The plan and sectional forms work hand in hand, creating individual spaces of distinct feel. Continual engagement with the outdoor environment being a key experience of the journey through the building, from the direct engagement between activity space and community garden, to the studio north-light of the workshop, the abstracted tree canopy of the yoga/tai chi room and the framed view of Arthur’s Seat from the meditation space.

“Working within the designated Conservation Area, we have sought to develop a proposal that celebrates the varied architectural styles of its surroundings, presenting a characterful addition to the community infrastructure of the wider Craigmillar area.”

Urban Pioneers have been commissioned to enhance the current community garden through better connections to the new building.

1 Comment

#1 Posted by town planner on 10 Apr 2019 at 11:19 AM

This looks great! And good to see the Thistle charity expanding their work further too...

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