A 1980s apartment in Edinburgh’s historic and picturesque Dean Village is transformed to create a playful and sociable sequence of spaces. Strategic openings were formed in the internal walls to open up the previously boxy rooms, allowing light and a sense of connection to flow throughout the apartment.

A central spine running the length of the flat acts as both a spatial divide and as an opportunity for the display and storage of belongings. This central element contains a number of functions; a shoe cabinet, a seat, a doorway, a breakfast bar; partitioning the space while also encouraging connection between separate zones.

The interior features a variety of bespoke furniture pieces, carefully designed by us and expertly crafted by Guy Scott of Broad Workshop. Each piece is modulated to suit its individual function - whether book shelving, seating, or kitchen unit - while the consistent materiality and design unite the different spaces into a cohesive whole.

The dining area sits between the kitchen and lounge, establishing a social sequence of spaces. The kitchen is opened up to the main living spaces via openings in the newly activated spine wall, which simultaneously demarcates the different areas and hides kitchen clutter from view. A bench seat provides a convivial aspect to dining, while benefitting from views out across the Dean Village to the Water of Leith.

Openings are lined in gently-grained maple plywood, the tones of which are picked up in the bespoke furniture and soft cork flooring. This material palette creates a natural warmth which contrasts with moments of earthy green found in the Fenix-faced upper cabinets, bathroom surfaces and soft furnishings.

The small north-facing bathroom has been remodelled, with simple and bright materials used to maximise natural light and engender a spacious and calming atmosphere. Green tones found throughout the interior are echoed in the robust Hi-Macs vanity surface and window surround, while the existing door leaf has been veneered in maple to match the joinery elsewhere.

The remodel included a number of sustainability enhancements. Natural wood fibre insulation was applied to the external walls, and exceptionally efficient Aerogel insulation was used to line the solid concrete separating walls to minimise cold bridging without compromising on floor space. The existing gas-fired central heating system was replaced with an electric boiler and hot water cylinder, which have been carefully located within new storage units.