Contemporary Mews House, Edinburgh
Located in the Marchmont Conservation Area, this compact site nestles between the end of a 19th century two storey mews and the gable of a four storey tenement. The site presented a number of challenges. These were namely, the location in the conservation area combined with a restricted plot size and a privacy and daylight rights of neighbouring properties. We were able to use these to our advantage, informing a design that is an attractive and sensitive contemporary addition to the area.
Using a simple palette of high quality materials, the house sits comfortably in its surroundings whilst remaining unmistakably modern. The ground and first floors are clad in smooth sandstone which is punctuated with large aluminium framed windows and zinc accent panels. These reference the stone, external shutters and large coach openings of the existing mews. The master bedroom is accommodated on the third floor within a lighter, lantern like, glazed volume which opens out onto a south facing roof terrace.
The proposals met with a considerable degree of resistance from neighbours and community associations. Through engagement and discussion with Edinburgh’s planning department we were able to gain the support of the council and obtain planning consent for our client.
