LEITH WALK DESIGN STUDIO

Location: Leith Walk, Edinburgh

Client: Smith Scott Mullan Associates

Programme: Completed 2000

This development was carried out for use as our own studio, with a former Tropical Fish Emporium transformed into a contemporary, flexible and efficient working environment.

The original building was dark, damp and in poor repair, so extensive work was carried out in adjusting levels, forming a major new rooflight and completely replacing the services system. A new shop front gives a contemporary image to the street and reflects the use as a design studio.

The interior consists of a series of studio spaces which utilise skylight as a response to a very tight urban location. Within the interior large scale architectural elements such as strongly coloured partitions and an open bridge act as focal points and link the various levels and spaces.

Due to being constructed to a very tight budget, architectural innovation had to take the place of expensive capital elements. Natural ventilation, manual control and thoughtful management provide very effective and economic environment control and a bridge of recycled timber forms an iconic central element to the space.

The result is a striking studio that not only provides an ideal functional environment for our work, but been extensively published and provides a example of our architectural ethos.

It won the EAA Conservation Award in 2000.