This project forms part of a large masterplanned development of 1700 new homes, a new primary school, health facilities, retail space and two large new public parks identified in the local development plan as a key new community in west Edinburgh. As the third of three phases with which we were involved, Plot 13 will provide 125 high quality homes providing part of the affordable element within the overall masterplan.
Occupying a key position terminating the west end of the overall masterplan, Plot 13 provides a range of house types including two storey houses, three storey townhouses and 3 and 4-storey flatted blocks offering expansive views to the Pentland Hills to the south as well as to a large new pubic park to the north. New pedestrian and cycle-priority streets offer easy routes to new public transport connections into the city.
The proposals respond to the strong urban design and landscape agenda inherent to the masterplan. The taller brick and zinc-finished flatted blocks create a strong street frontage to Turnhouse Road, while the lower-density render-finished houses address attractively landscaped pedestrian routes and frame views through to the historic Gogar Castle to the south.
Homes are all designed to generous space standards, and use high levels of insulation and air-tightness along with roof-mounted PV panels to reduce energy usage. Smith Scott Mullan worked closely with the contractor’s technical and design staff to deliver all new homes using the contractor’s proprietary off-site timber manufacturing system ensuring a high quality finish and reduced on-site construction programme.