July 9 2020

Block 9 Architects have returned with fresh plans to infill a prominent Musselburgh gap-site with 10 apartments.

Superseding plans from last year the latest initiative encompasses an L-shaped parcel of land linking Whitehill Street and Maingait Medway, part of which is currently occupied by warehousing.

Following concerns raised about overlooking the latest designs have been significantly scaled back, contracting the building line while adopting a more traditional pitched roof.

This approach will also provide for a large amenity space and balconies to be provided to the rear. In a materials statement, the practice wrote: "The building mass facing Newcraighall Road features elements of brick and sandstone, taking reference from the neighbouring brick church next to the site. The stone mass is broken up with glazing and timber panels which help to create a very human scale to the building.

"To the rear, the building is composed of a combination of buff brick with certain elements clad in western red cedar battens. The roof will be dark grey anthracite zinc.

"As a whole, the project aims to remove the existing warehouse which adds nothing to the area while the reduced palette of new richer materials is intended to reflect a contemporary feel to the area."

A projecting gable extends to the rear with a timber extension, with openings removed to protect the privacy of a neighbouring church annexe.

3 Comments

#1 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 9 Jul 2020 at 13:03 PM

Ah architecture, how we have missed you..! Looks decent and quite a bold statement in that location particularly given the mind numbingly boring regurgitated National's stuff next door.

#2 Posted by TJ Looker on 10 Jul 2020 at 09:54 AM

Like it. That part of town has been in need of something with a bit more design integrity given the mass produced, design by number house builder dross that has sprung up around it.
Good luck convincing Edinburgh Planning to agree.

#3 Posted by StyleCouncil on 10 Jul 2020 at 17:20 PM

Over fussy, clunky massing with the stylistic kitchen sink chucked at it.
East Lothian Council planning are too busy destroying the landscape with acres of rank, mass housing to be worried about this one.

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