What If…? / Scotland at the V&A Dundee
7N Architect’s What if…?/Scotland exhibition, which was due to be staged in Venice as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, will now open at V&A Dundee on Saturday 22 May and run until Sunday 21 November 2021.
What if…? / Scotland responds to the Biennale’s theme How will we live together?, seeking to re-engage the civic role of architects and designers by asking citizens from across Scotland to share their hopes and dreams for the future of the places they call home.
At the start of 2020 and prior to the first nationwide lockdown, 7N paired 25 people from 5 places across Scotland with 25 designers, architects, and artists – to share their hopes and dreams for the future of the place where they live. The architects and designers then used these wishes to begin exploring imaginative ideas in response to the community challenges being faced.
This collaborative process has been captured in a series of short films forming the narrative focus of the exhibition. The stories of each place, as told by its citizens and set within the rich and varied landscapes of rural and urban Scotland, are presented in an immersive environment designed for reflection and inspiration.
Project lead, Ewan Anderson of 7N, said: “If the past year has shown us anything, it is the importance of community and the Biennale Architettura 2020’s theme ‘How will we live together?’ seems more salient than ever.
“With What if…? / Scotland, we really wanted to encourage collaborative thinking between designers and communities to demonstrate how community-led, grassroots engagement can stimulate big ideas from conversations about people’s wishes for the future of their places. ‘What if…?’ is an open question that can - and has - stimulated fantastic and energetic discussion, debate and creative thinking within the communities we have worked together with across Scotland; and pointed towards ways in which we can make meaningful and positive change.
“As we emerge from the latest lockdown the notion of people in Scotland’s communities coming together to plan for a better future has never been more important. The What If? initiative is about making these conversations as direct and inspiring as they can be. Architecture unplugged!”
scotlandandvenice.com
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year at 7N Architects, filled with milestones and achievements.
To our clients, collaborators, and friends: thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a joyful festive season and a happy new year.
Below are some highlights from a transformative year for our studio:
+ We completed our transition to an Employee Owned Trust, expanding our management team to reflect the growing studio;
+ Planning approval was secured for 7,000 new homes at our West Town masterplan, an exciting step toward delivering this significant project;
+ A number of major projects completed, including: New Eidyn, Rowanbank Gardens, and Temple Park Crescent;
+ Our University of Glasgow masterplan continued to win multiple awards in recognition of its positive impact on Glasgow;
+ Transformative projects at Ferry Road, Inverlair Avenue, and Fraser Avenue Phase 3, all successfully received planning permissions and are moving towards construction;
+ The HUB Station design for Network Rail continues to gather steam with a number of enquiries for new train stations.
And there’s even more that we’d love to share, though some projects have to remain under wraps for now.
Here’s to an even more exciting 2025!
Images:
1- @neweidyn lobby, photo by 7N Architects
2- West Town masterplan, visualation by @daakostudio
3- @rowanbankgardens, photo by @leoparedesphoto
4- Temple Park Crescent, photo by @willscottphoto
5- University of Glasgow, photo by @lucinsider
6- Ferry Road, visualation by @daakostudio
7- Inverlair Avenue, visualation by @daakostudio
8- HUB Station, visual by @wyrd_tree
Abellio East Anglia, @aecom, Ardent, @artisan_real_estate, @arupgroup, Buccleuch, @calahomes, @campionhomes, @cbre, @ccg_scotland, Clyde Gateway, @crudenhomes, Drum Property Group, @edinburghnapier, @edinburgh_council, @workingatforthports, @goodbrotherswinecellars, HFD, @holyrooddistillery, @kingdomhousingassociation, L&G, M&G, Mac Mic, @mnmdevelopments, @livethemodalife, @nativeland_ltd, @networkrail, @rettieandco, @s1developments, @shelborn_am, Shetland Islands Council, Stamford Property, @thesocialhub, @uofglasgow, @westmidlandsrailway
West Town neighbourhood of 7,000 homes given green light by Edinburgh Council
We are delighted to announce that the City of Edinburgh’s Planning Committee has unanimously approved the Planning Permission in Principle planning application for our West Town masterplan. Many years in development, this 205-acre project will help to significantly tackle Edinburgh’s well publicised housing emergency with 7,000 new homes and mixed-uses. As our client, Graeme Bone, has commented: “We now have the once-in-a-generation opportunity to make West Town an exemplar, sustainable 20-minute neighbourhood on a par with the best new developments taking place anywhere across the UK and Europe.”
With many thanks to our client Drum Property Group and the incredible efforts of the project team.
@avison_young_uk
@wspuk
@optimisedenvironmentsltd
@gt_llp
@edinburgh_council
Donald Anderson
Visualisation by @daakostudio
Re-instating the tenement street edge
Located on the site of a former garage, our Temple Park Crescent project revitalises a rare city-centre brownfield site while addressing the need for housing in central Edinburgh.
The building’s design carefully re-establishes the traditional tenement street edge, while offering contemporary living spaces that capitalise on open views of the Union Canal. The apartments feature open-plan layouts with large, full-height windows that maximise natural light and provide expansive views. A thoughtfully selected palette of materials and colours creates a cohesive identity, harmonising with the character of both Merchiston’s section of the Union Canal and the broader Edinburgh context.
Temple Park Crescent adheres to Edinburgh City Council’s design guidelines. Over 50% of the homes are dual-aspect, and 20% of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.
Now that residents are have moved-in, it is great to see this streetscape returned to its original character and people enjoying their new homes.
@s1developments
@harleyhaddow
@wardellarmstrong_llp
@atelier_ten
The Keenan Consultancy
AOC Archaelogogy Group
Geovia
Kaya Consulting
Donal Roger Associates
Tay Ecology
Photographs by @willscottphoto
Unlocking a problematic brownfield site to create new homes and repair a street edge
Temple Park Crescent is a residential project of 46 new homes for S1 Developments and C-urb, including both affordable and family housing. Replacing a disused canal-front garage site in Merchiston, Edinburgh, the development repairs a long-standing gap in the tenement streetscape.
The new homes are designed to support flexible family living, featuring a shared canal-front garden and grow space. The design incorporates sustainable technologies, including a rooftop air-source heat pump array and heat recovery systems, aimed at managing energy efficiency and supporting low-impact living for the residents.
Active travel has been prioritised with secure cycle storage facilities conveniently located near communal entrances. In alignment with city-centre planning policies, car parking spaces have been minimised to encourage sustainable transportation options.
Completed last summer, this project is a great example of how to our city-centre infill sites can be developed in sensitive and sustainable ways.
@s1developments
@harleyhaddow
@wardellarmstrong_llp
@atelier_ten
The Keenan Consultancy
AOC Archaelogogy Group
Geovia
Kaya Consulting
Donal Roger Associates
Tay Ecology
Photographs by @willscottphoto
7N Architects are delighted to share that this week marked the completion of our New Eidyn project at Edinburgh St James.
New Eidyn is the product of a close partnership with internationally recognised residential developers Native Land, on behalf of clients Nuveen Real Estate and their development partner Queensberry Properties.
The result is an exceptional set of 152 homes across three pavilion buildings, sitting atop of the £1bn St James Quarter in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre.
This project has been a delight to work on and we are enormously grateful to all who have contributed along the way. Particular thanks goes to our collaborators on this journey: @nativeland_ltd @nativelandlifestyle @nuveeninv @gt_llp @beck_scotland @beckinteriors @hudsonandmercerdesign @optimisedenvironmentsltd @wallace.whittle David Stanley Associates, and Thomas and Adamson.
Photograph by @zac.and.zac
7N Architects are proud that our Jordanhill project was one of just four projects shortlisted in the Residential category at the Glasgow Institute of Architects Awards last night. We are delighted to be recognised alongside such exemplary work.
Congratulations to the winners, JM Architects and Elder & Cannon on their projects at St Andrews Drive and Botany Corner, and for the @glasgowinstituteofarchitects for arranging the event.
@calahomes
@simpsonandbrown
@goodsonassociates
Hulley & Kirkwood
Photograph by @davidbarbour
A sustainable and inclusive living environment
Jordanhill Park is a reflection of the growing emphasis on brownfield regeneration by the house-builder market. The principles of NPF4 are embedded through measures that help implement climate resilience, ecological enhancement, and the sustainable reuse of land, in ways that support both biodiversity and compact urban growth.
• People-first design: Streets and spaces that prioritise residents.
• Enriched green spaces: Expanded and accessible parkland, with significant new tree planting.
• Respect for heritage: New buildings that complement the Grade-B listed David Stow Building’s historic character.
• Thoughtful materials: Tones and textures chosen to harmonise with the existing architecture, ensuring longevity in our interventions.
This expansive project typifies 7N’s commitment to placemaking that delivers value for people, nature, and the future. Many years in the making, it is great to reach this stage so that we can take a moment to pause and reflect on what has been achieved with our client, @calahomes.
@simpsonandbrown
@goodsonassociates
Hulley & Kirkwood
Photographs by @davidbarbour
Preserving history and creating strong new connections
Our masterplan for 406 homes at Jordanhill Park, developed in close collaboration with CALA Homes West, is shaped around the Grade-B listed David Stow Building, a landmark with its iconic copper towers. Now thoughtfully restored and repurposed, this building remains central to the site’s identity and has been safeguarded for future generations through careful refurbishment, which has been made possible by the surrounding new-build development.
The new homes are designed to harmonize with the landscape and the historic structures. Terraced townhouses create shared streets that frame views of the natural surroundings and connect to a central linear park. Detached houses form a permeable edge around the site, offering expansive views across the city, while the apartment buildings are nestled among mature trees, designed to feel like contemporary pavilions within the landscape.
@simpsonandbrown
@goodsonassociates
Hulley & Kirkwood
Photographs by @davidbarbour
Aerial photograph by @calahomes
Jordanhill Park: New Homes in an Historic Parkland
As we continue our series on recent residential projects, we are pleased to share an update on our collaboration with CALA Homes West at the former Jordanhill College campus in Glasgow’s West End.
The historic parkland setting has been reimagined as a vibrant neighbourhood with 406 homes, including townhouses, apartments, and detached houses. Two historic buildings on the site have also been carefully restored and reconfigured to ensure they are safeguarded for future generations.
Over 200 homes are now complete, and we’re excited to share new photographs of this unique development in the coming days.
@calahomes
@simpsonandbrown
@goodsonassociates
Hulley & Kirkwood
Photographs by @davidbarbour
Site Plan by 7N Architects
Touching Lightly on the Ground
Offering a diverse range of detached villas and terraced townhouses, our Edmonstone Woods development presents a harmonious blend of family-friendly living spaces. Each home type is characterised by a palette of natural and durable materials that echo the tones and textures of the surrounding landscape.
The mix of housing has been developed with a focus on family living, with all proposed houses providing four bedrooms. Living areas are strategically positioned to maximise views into surrounding woodland, or across Little France Park and towards Arthur’s Seat. Every home benefits from private gardens and access to high-quality shared amenity spaces
The team have really enjoyed working on these proposals and we look forward to seeing progress over the next stages and into 2025.
Scott Hobbs Planning Limited
@lucinsider
@atelier_ten
Will Rudd
@rettieandco
Visualisations by @7n.architects
Living in the Woodland
7N’s proposal for 27 family homes within Edmonstone Woods thoughtfully integrates the residences into the natural landscape, offering a distinct living experience. Each home is designed to harmonise with the woodland surroundings, ensuring high standards of quality, comfort, and accessibility in an immersive, nature-focused setting
The complex array of constraints necessitated careful planning to avoid disturbance to mature trees, ancient woodland, as well as the footprint of the historic Edmonstone House and remnants of its stables. As a result, the proposed homes are sensitively integrated into the woodland, arranged along two pedestrian-focused streets and offering extensive views of the surrounding trees. Vehicle movements are carefully controlled around the perimeter of the site, minimizing disruption to the natural setting and prioritizing active travel options for residents.
Scott Hobbs Planning Limited
@lucinsider
@atelier_ten
Will Rudd
@rettieandco
Drawings & photograph by @7n.architects
Edmonstone Woods – Sensitive Housing within a Unique Setting
7N Architects have submitted fresh proposals for Phase 5 of the Edmonstone Masterplan in South West Edinburgh on behalf of a private investor client, which will create 27 family homes within the distinctive woodland setting of Edmonstone Woods.
The proposals have been developed in response to changing market demands, from an earlier apartment-led scheme, to one with a lighter touch within this unique site. The approach sensitively nestles the new homes within the woodland environment to create a forest community that is woven into the existing network of woodland trails. The layout of the site and the landscape design, developed with LUC, addresses a complex array of existing conditions, which required careful responses to mature trees, ancient woodland, an interpretation of the footprint of the historic Edmonstone House, as well as the remnants of its former stables buildings.
Scott Hobbs Planning
@lucinsider
@atelier_ten
Will Rudd
Visualisations by @daakostudio