12 May 2008

draw succeed in the historic centre of St Andrews

A series of modern rigg houses in the historic centre of St Andrews have received planning permission.



The development, by draw architects, the Edinburgh-based practice, is on a 14m x 100m classic rigg plot which runs between two main streets in the town; it contains a organic arrangement of houses and apartments.

Given the historical context, a design-led approach was required resulting in the development of unique typologies - a series of rigg houses which are partially lowered below existing ground level and blend internal and external private amenity space.

draw architects – which was a finalist for the design of the British Pavilion for World Expo 2010 in Shanghai last year - secured the project in an competition which included Richard Murphy Architects and Cre8. draw’s founding director Mark Bingham said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity to produce a real urban housing solution which is married to its place and time. It will enhance the conservation character through confident modern design and some unique housing.”

Public opinion in such a resolved setting as St Andrews is typically for no change. So we were delighted that some of the original opponents to the site’s redevelopment actually became supporters as a result of the pre-application consultation process we undertook.”





www.drawedinburgh.co.uk

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most expensive residential markets and a challenging conservation context within which to secure planning. In advance of draw being appointed, the site had failed to receive planning permission on two previous occasions with other architects.
draw architects is currently commissioned on over 500,000 ft2 of commercial office, high-end bespoke residential and master plan projects. Its master plan for Elphinstone Holdings’ Sustainable Urban Village at the SECC in Glasgow was shortlisted in the Homes for Scotland Designing Places Awards 2008.

St Andrews Architecture

University of St Andrews : New School for Medicine and Science

St Andrews building : Andrew Melville Halls

Scottish Architects

Scottish House



Fife buildings

World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

University of St Andrews : New Arts Faculty Building

St Andrews building : Byre Theatre

Comments / photos for the St Andrews Building page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

St Andrews House : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt