Pend Architects has recently unveiled their latest project, a mews housing scheme in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre. This development showcases the firm's innovative approach to urban design, particularly in maximizing space on constrained brownfield sites. The project, inspired by Tadao Ando's Row House in Osaka, Japan, features a series of internal courtyards and terraces, with each home wrapped around a private outdoor courtyard. This design maximizes natural light and creates a sense of openness within the compact space.
The two three-bedroom homes are designed with a focus on functionality and aesthetics. Each home boasts a first-floor kitchen-dining space, three double bedrooms, and integrated garages. The exterior showcases a blend of traditional and modern elements, with a highly insulated timber frame clad in reclaimed brick found on-site. A curved, bullnose brick marks the threshold at each entrance, adding a unique architectural touch.
The upper storeys and roofs are set back from the brick façade and clad in red zinc, creating a striking visual contrast. The garages and recessed entrance vestibules are expressed in timber cladding, maintaining the consistency of the existing timber-clad garages on the mews lane. Inside, the ground floor features porcelain tiles with underfloor heating, while a solid timber sculptural stair leads to the first-floor open-plan kitchen and roof terrace.
This project represents a significant milestone for Pend Architects, as it is their first development project and the first time they have carried out a design-led development themselves. The scheme was delivered as a joint venture with local residential contractor Gloss Projects, ensuring a collaborative and aligned construction process. Both homes were designed as 'turnkey' properties, meaning they were fully fitted and ready to inhabit.
The architects' view on the project highlights their belief in the potential of small urban sites. By taking on both the roles of architect and developer, they were able to explore every stage of the design and development process, demonstrating their expertise in unlocking constrained urban spaces. Jamie Anderson, director of Pend Architects, emphasizes the importance of thoughtful densification, material quality, and everyday domestic delight in their approach to urban housing.
The Canon Mews project opens up a broader conversation about the potential of small urban sites and signals a direction that Pend Architects is excited to continue pursuing. It showcases their ability to create bespoke housing solutions that prioritize functionality, aesthetics, and a deep understanding of the local context.
