These B listed 1969 Basil Spence designed homes have been upgraded as part of a pioneering retrofit project, having had very few external alterations since their completion. Sitting in the conservation zone at the lower end of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh this modernist piece of architecture sets up a repetitive rhythm to the street, with distinctive and expressive use of concrete balconies to its side and rear elevations.
Much housing from this interesting period of modernism and brutalism of the 70’s has suffered with neglect. This project led by Edinburgh World Heritage and delivered by John Gilbert Architects, raises the bar for sensitively restoring the intent of many overlooked and damaged buildings from this era, whilst also improving insulation, thermal performance, and air tightness, recognising the importance of integrating conservation and energy efficiency.
The project acknowledges the need to intensify and speed up the retrofit process to improve efficiency of existing buildings as Scotland endeavours to meet its plans to have Net Zero emissions by 2045, whilst future proofing and preserving the character of this unique listed building.
