Project Details.

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Construction Value: £130,000
Client: Private client

The client for this project is a domestic client who purchased an existing office space on the ground and basement levels on Castle Terrace with the ambition to bring the property back to its original function as a residence. As the building has been used as office space for the last thirty years many of the original features are in need of repair and reinstatement. The building is a significant part of one of the most important and best-preserved examples of urban planning in Britain. Designed by David Bryce Junior in 1859, 10 & 10A forms part of the elevation on Castle Terrace. It was listed as a Category B building in 1970, is located within the West End Conservation Area and forms part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

The concept design for the proposed residence is largely driven by an aspiration to retain and respect as much of the original fabric and detail of the Georgian townhouse as possible to provide contemporary spaces and facilities for modern living within the historic setting. The kitchen space was carefully located on the ground floor level with the prime views overlooking the private garden which receives South-West light.

Much of the detailing which had been lost through historic conversions and changes of use in the building’s lifespan have been reinstated. These include reinstating the fireplace in the principle room on the ground floor, refurbishing and sealing the original oak floorboards on ground floor level, repolishing the original flagstones throughout the basement level and reinstating, rebuilding the original doorway to the private garden to the rear and carefully repairing all of the original cornicing. The final product achieved is a fine example of restoration of original historic fabric with a contemporary feel for modern living.