Pennywell Living

The Challenge

The design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.

Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.

The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.

The Solution

The design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.

Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.

The Benefits

The architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.

The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.

The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.