NEW TOWN
STUDIO
RENOVATION






















(CONSTRUCTION)

   The downtakings stage allowed us to see the realities of the 200 year old building — confirming any assumptions made of the structure, whilst also highlighting aspects which were not anticipated. We demolished the dividing walls erected in the 1980’s and returned the space to it’s original Georgian proportions. in this stage Our role shifted from designer to facilitator; collaborating with the trade teams on site, overseeing the works in line with the drawings and navigating any challenges and adjustments that came up.





(RETROFIT)

   When retrofitting, we looked to maintain and empower the breathability of the building by utilising natural materials including clay plaster and clay paint along the external wall. In using robust details at all junctions, as well as including vacuum double glazed sash and case windows, we have been able to improve the liveability and increase the thermal and acoustic performance of the home.










(FABRICATION)

   We created fitted and freestanding furniture off-site in a workshop and assembled on site. This included the kitchen and bathroom basin, both of which were finished using tadelakt, a moroccan lime-based plaster, polished to become waterproof.












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   We were commissioned to re-imagine a Georgian studio apartment set in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. Standing at approximately 35m2, the single underlying request was ‘ultimate comfort’. Our brief was to have the space maintain an ambient temperature throughout the year, increase the acoustic protection from the outside world and have it feel as though you have all the space you need and no less.

   Throughout the substantial design process, we considered both the present and future demands of city-centre living, with particular focus on how the client navigates daily life. The studio needed to seamlessly function as a home, an office, and a space for entertaining—meaning one room had to shift effortlessly between multiple roles.
   The renovation was comprehensive. We stripped back everything, from outdated electrical systems to removing internal walls and the original insulation between joists, essentially reducing the flat to its bare bones.

   During this process, we uncovered leaking pipework, damaged roof slates, deteriorating plasterwork, and a rotting timber lintel. Each issue was meticulously addressed before we began retrofitting and rebuilding the space. In the end, the project successfully preserved the charm and integrity of the Georgian architecture while incorporating a design tailored for modern living.











(PW—AR.01)
CONTEMPORARY, YET CLASSIC

THE DESIGN USES THE GEORGIAN PRINCIPLES OF SYMMETRY AND PROPORTION, WHILST INCORPORATING FEATURES THAT MAXIMISE THE VOLUME OF THE SPACE.












   This project saw us take on the design and fabrication of fixed and freestanding elements, including the kitchen, entrance area, utility, pantry and wardrobe. 

   As the space required such careful consideration in terms of design and technical detailing, it meant any and all changes had a knock-on affect across several areas of the project. Extending our attention beyond the design and into the fabrication allowed us to maximise the use of our insight into the project; creating truly bespoke pieces to suit the nuances of the space and its occupier.   The stripping out of the space afforded us the opportunity to salvage some material which would otherwise be sent to landfill. We chose to take the ash deafening that traditionally sits between the joists of properties above and below one another to help with limiting noise transfer. Traditionally this was made up of construction debris including lime plaster, horsehair and ash from fireplaces. As a natural material, one which is very common though rarely witnessed, we will be researching how this can be given another life.

   You can read more about our research and prototypes with this reclaimed material on our Substack.

 








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