Remodel to make a failed Edinburgh office block unrecognisable : April 2024 : News : Architecture in profile the building environment in Scotland

April 9 2024

Morgan Architects has returned with updated proposals to transform a failed Edinburgh office block dating from the 1960s through a combination of new build and refurbishment.

Finance House will be left unrecognisable following the transformation which includes the demolition of a rear extension to make way for 65 apartments and the change of use of the main building to accommodate 301 student bedrooms and coworking spaces.

Driven by a desire to diversify the site by applicant Square and Crescent the works will see the main building dressed in reconstituted stone with bronze metal detailing. Switching from horizontal to vertical emphasis of the facades this change is reflected in the buff brick of the new build element, which carries forward the bronze cladding to unify both halves.

In a statement, the architects observed: “The design approach to the replacement of the rear 1970s building has been fully informed by the aspirations for east/west and north/south permeability through the site, and the importance attached to the landscape and public realm. A new recessed volume is proposed to provide a clear path between Learmonth Crescent and Learmonth Gardens, with the new volume turning to meet Learmonth Gardens, creating as a result an “L” shaped building. This provides continuity and a sense of connection between the two previously unconnected streets.”

A landscape strategy by RankinFraser will extend to 20% of the site, focusing on a central park threaded by concrete block paving and lined by benches, open lawn and trees.