A collection of ‘unapologetically modern’ new homes that are tipped to transform a historic space in Edinburgh’s South Queensferry landscape will soon be launched to the market.
The development of Q Gardens, a reinvention of the Georgian Scotstoun House estate, is being carried out by AMA New Homes and is described as marrying Scottish architectural heritage with ‘breathtaking’ contemporary design.
The Kettle Collective has drawn up plans for these new homes, which are set in more than two hectares of parkland. The complex comprises 21 three, four and five-bedroom homes, said to be characterised by ‘fluid living spaces, an abundance of light, a sense of open space and biophilic designs’.
Q Gardens sits in the grounds of the former Scotstoun Park House, a mansion built in the 1770s that is thought to have been originally part of the Rosebery Estate. The mansion was demolished in the 1960s after years of neglect and a modernist office block, Scotstoun House, was built in its place. The signature of Ove Arup, founder of global engineering firm ARUP, can be found in the concrete alongside the date 1965.
The B-listed building will be converted into four four-bedroom apartments and forms the centrepiece of the project.
Architect Tony Kettle said, “Our task was to convert and revitalise this modernist gem while celebrating the site’s heritage. The original sculpted concrete panels will be retained, while a floating roofline forms a continuous clerestory window beneath, an enduring hallmark of modernist design.
“Our plans set large villas and townhouses within the original mature landscaped setting of Scotstoun House with a central lawn and walled garden. The existing mature trees have been protected and supplemented with extensive new tree planting to create a protected garden setting, a green oasis within South Queensferry.
“The driving design principle behind Q Gardens was to blur the boundaries between inside and out and to bring the residents closer to nature. This can be seen in the plans for expansive floor to ceiling windows that link formal dining and living areas to private gardens, creating a seamless flow between the buildings and the verdant surroundings. Additionally, balconies and bedroom views are framed by mature tree canopies. At all times during the design process, we have sought to capitalise on the glorious woodland setting.”
Of particular note is an extension linking the original Georgian stable block and adjacent cottage with a glazed curtain wall to form a three-bedroom house.
The homes will feature air source heat pumps, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, high levels of insulation and underfloor heating.
Behnam Afshar, director of AMA, added, “The potential for an extraordinary development at Scotstoun was immediately obvious and we are immensely proud of the way in which we are reinventing this special space. Scotstoun’s heritage gave us an excellent foundation with which to work. We have brought together the site’s heritage and contemporary design to create the blueprint for a truly sustainable development of outstanding, unapologetically modern homes. We believe this will be a striking addition to the city’s prime property portfolio.”
The first homes are expected to complete later this year.
