Our client for this project, located in the heart of the Morningside Area in Edinburgh, appointed BLOCK NINE initially to undertake a detailed development appraisal which included investigating feasibility studies for the development of the site.

The site itself came with its own set of difficult design parameters including being located within the Plewlands Conservation Area. As a tight corner plot with a substation directly to the rear, the site is also positioned at the end of a traditional terrace - a typical characteristic of the area - which would ultimately inform the core design principles of our proposals.

Having interrogated several possible design approaches at the feasibility stage, including apartments and a blend of residential and commercial use, we concluded the most suitable use of the site was for 3 new townhouses. From the onset, we had a clear contemporary approach in mind however, being in a Conservation Area, we had to work closely with our Planning Consultant and the Planning authority to develop the proposals in detail in order to secure full Planning Permission. While we were able to successfully retain our contemporary approach, this was only made possible by taking design cues from the existing characteristics of the adjacent terrace.

The 3 new townhouses are expressed in a refined palette of materials sympathetic to the area, with a prominent sandstone “box” expressed as a floating element over a dark timber clad plinth below, while the uppermost level is expressed in slate. The scale and positioning of window openings also provide balance and rhythm on each facade and exist as a contemporary interpretation of the existing terrace without directly imitating. Each townhouse comprises 5 bedrooms, set over 4 floors including a basement level. From street level, the ground floor is cleverly concealed by a new boundary hedge and low stone wall, in-keeping with the existing street frontages, simultaneously providing full privacy to the front, South-facing gardens provided with each property.

Over the centuries, Morningside has embraced architectural progression, illustrated by the myriad of styles within the locale. Our proposals are the natural progression of this pattern of development, embracing 21st century architecture which draws on the positive contextual characteristics of the area.