JOINED-UP THINKING

The potential of this huge lateral apartment was sorely ignored until new architect owners rethought its layout and released its promise

- Catherine Coyle

DETAILS

What A reconfigured Victorian flat

Where Comely Bank, Edinburgh

Architect Luke McClelland Design

Luke and Joanne McClelland were seeking out more space when they returned to Edinburgh from London in 2018. Both architects had trained in the city and knew the allure of Edinburgh would draw them back at some point, its classical architecture and more reasonable property market (at least compared Lto London’s) making the latter look less and less like their forever home. Originally from Belfast, Luke spent time at Foster + Partners refurbishing the Royal Opera House, before setting up his own practice. Aware of the scale of traditional Edinburgh townhouses, he was eager to show how a large project could be done effectively and stylishly without breaking the bank.

The pair found their project up for sale online where it was languishing, prospective buyers put off by its poor state of repair. They could see its promise, however, and were able to visualise what could be done with it, so they took the plunge in the knowledge that large-scale renovations would be required. “The property comprises the drawing-room levels of two adjacent Victorian townhouses that had been knocked together to form one apartment during the 1970s,” explains Luke. “As architects, we could see the potential for creating a light-filled home if we made just a few key alterations.” They were so convinced it would work that they went ahead and put in an offer without actually seeing the flat in person.