Project: New Town Apartment
Architecture: Luke McClelland Design
Lead Architects: Luke McClelland
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Zac + Zac
Celebrating Historic Features with Modern Touches
Luke McClelland Design’s New Town Apartment in Edinburgh, Scotland, aims to sympathetically strip back the existing interior to highlight the remaining historic features. This balance between restoration and modern intervention is achieved while preserving the property’s Grade A Listed status.
Minimal Interventions for Maximum Impact
To maintain the building’s heritage, structural changes were minimal. A small toilet was created by combining two small stores at ground floor level, and a new opening was introduced to enhance circulation between the kitchen and utility room. These thoughtful changes improve functionality while respecting the building’s integrity.
Bespoke Oak Kitchen by Archispek
The centerpiece of the apartment is a bespoke oak kitchen designed by local joinery studio Archispek. This kitchen, treated as a piece of furniture, features an island that doubles as a dining table with a Ceppo Di Gre stone worktop. Recessed alcoves in the primary dividing wall provide additional storage, and the utility room houses most appliances, keeping the main kitchen’s lines clean and sculptural.
Restoring Original Flooring and Features
The flooring throughout the apartment has been carefully restored. Original pine floorboards were uncovered, sanded, and oiled, while the natural stone flags in the main hallway were cleaned and sealed. The most striking feature is the original Georgian ‘pencheck’ cantilevered staircase, meticulously repaired and restored.
Simple and Muted Material Palette
The design employs a simple material palette of Ceppo Di Gre stone and oak, chosen to complement the existing building. Brushed stainless steel taps, handles, and switches enhance the oak and stone elements, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
Adding Texture and Art
The interior, depicted in photographs prior to full occupation, features large-scale artworks by Arran Rahiman and textured furniture and floor coverings to soften the stark spaces. This approach ensures the muted interior complements rather than detracts from the historic architecture.
