Rowanbank Gardens has transformed a brownfield site into a project that has a comprehensive focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Designed around a new residents courtyard garden, this shared landscape serves as the natural heart of the community, complete with communal growing beds and fruit trees that have become key amenities for new residents.

Completed in 2024, Rowanbank Gardens was delivered with award winning property developer Artisan Real Estate to provide 126 mixed-tenure homes, including a high proportion of family accommodation, in Corstorphine, Edinburgh. The homes incorporate an industry leading all-electric and fabric-first approach, paired with sustainable systems such as heat recovery to minimise energy use. As a result, Rowanbank Gardens achieves carbon dioxide emission rates well below current regulatory requirements.

Rowanbank Gardens’ architectural form re-establishes the street edge, using high-quality materials and robust detailing to create a strong civic presence. This perimeter backdrop frames a central landscaped courtyard, fostering a sense of community and tranquility within the development. A variety of roof forms accentuate the residential character and respond thoughtfully to the site’s diverse surroundings. The project’s ‘tenure-blind’ design has further enhanced its quality, with private and affordable apartments finished to the same high standard. This inclusive approach has enhanced the reception of the development across a wide range of residents, from social housing, through mid-market, first-time buyers, families, and down-sizers. For us, this validates our approach to placing community at the heart of placemaking and the value that this brings to any development.