URBAN EDEN HOUSING

Location: Lochend, Edinburgh

Client: Places for People

Programme: Current Project

Designed in collaboration with EMA Architects, this new community of 209 homes is proposed for a former industrial site close to London Road and Easter Road in Edinburgh’s city centre. The triangular-shaped site is unusual as it was once surrounded to all three sides by active railway lines. While presently only the line to the north boundary of the site operates, there is a desire to reinstate the line to the south boundary as the south suburban railway.

Vehicular access is from Albion Road and a road bridge has been constructed to enter the site, while the proposals include for new pedestrian connections to the east and west.

The design meshes two distinct components: firstly a central network of mews-type streets, terraces and courtyards designed by SSM. These contain a mix of flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses, which reflect the domestic scale of Edinburgh’s colonies and provide a safe, secure and sociable environment for family living. The edges of the new neighbourhood are defined and three medium-rise apartment buildings designed by EMA.

The development has many advantages associated with city living, including close proximity to local shops, supermarkets, schools and public transport, while providing private gardens to all homes and shared green spaces across the site.