February 4 2022

Plans for a net-zero apartment block have been brought forward for Gullane, East Lothian, to replace an unlisted bungalow on Main Street.

Studio IMA (on behalf of B&Y Developments) propose to erect four, three-bedroom apartments of a height and scale more consistent with its setting, together with private parking and gardens on the 2.5-acre town centre plot.

Set back 8m behind the building line the apartments adopt a distinctive roof geometry, precisely oriented to maximise through sun while providing visual interest. Photovoltaic panels are to be positioned on south-facing surfaces to maximise solar gain.

In a statement, the architects wrote: "The new development integrates itself into the existing urban grain of the street and demonstrates an appropriate pattern of built development for the re-use of a village centre site. It is suggested that an appropriate massing, scale and form has been achieved to maintain the character of the area, whilst also addressing a shortage of modern and generous flatted accommodation in Gullane.

"Given the prominent site on the Main Street, a high-quality design solution has been achieved that demonstrates an appropriate aesthetic response which also achieves a highly efficient, sustainable building on an existing low-quality domestic house plot."

Built from cross-laminated timber the primary facades of the net-zero block are to be finished in long format, handmade, buff coloured clay bricks, with a darkly pigmented render reserved for the ground floor. 

2 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 4 Feb 2022 at 16:29 PM

why not respect the existing roof line ?

#2 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 7 Feb 2022 at 12:38 PM

While that's a very pretty proposal, I cant help but think its massively overdeveloped for that site. & dressing up everything as "net zero" doesn't hide the fact of no real garden space and dare I ask where the 4 Range Rovers and 4 Mercs are going to park? Its in Gullane, with virtually no access to other forms of travel.

Post your comments