March 15 2023

One of the last remaining gap sites in Portobello, Edinburgh, has been earmarked for two semi-detached townhouses.

Land at 25 Argyle Crescent has previously been subject to two consents (now lapsed) for terraced houses the latest proposal carries forward the residential use.

Set in a suburban area next to a B-listed villa in a conservation area the plans call for two three storey properties of a uniform contemporary design.

In a planning statement LBA wrote: “Whilst the scheme is of a more contemporary style to the surrounding properties, it will be beautifully crafted and detailed, creating an exemplar and outstanding piece of architecture in this area of the city. Furthermore, it will follow the proportions of the adjacent properties and the chosen materials compliment those of the conservation area, creating a contemporary take on the traditional architecture.”

Large modern bay windows draw northerly light with facades employing a mix of buff brick, off white render and a grey standing seam metal roof.

8 Comments

#1 Posted by Ben on 15 Mar 2023 at 15:44 PM

Truly awful....why is the quality of the proposals by Edinburgh architects so dreadfully pitiful? Well at least it's in keeping with the other hideous structures popping up in this city.

#2 Posted by puzzled on 15 Mar 2023 at 16:09 PM

How does the blank white gable contribute towards the exemplar and outstanding piece of architecture?

#3 Posted by TheFakeArchitect on 16 Mar 2023 at 11:15 AM

Ok its quite nice but think they might be getting slightly carried away with the comments listed from the Design & Access statement! Personally I think the top of the bay window is rather abrupt and would benefit from being a tad higher and in turn break the eaves line as per neighbouring properties. Objective opinion of course.

#4 Posted by CatzVP on 16 Mar 2023 at 16:11 PM

Like the ugly disasters in Bath street Portobello, another architect trying to prove his worth and failing miserably.

#5 Posted by RJB on 16 Mar 2023 at 21:32 PM

Feels a bit like half arsed time pastiche architecture

#6 Posted by youguessedit on 17 Mar 2023 at 10:32 AM

#4 - contreversial comment - inferring the Architects are all men.

#7 Posted by SLS on 17 Mar 2023 at 13:31 PM

No development in Portobello is financed without foreign investment nor is consideration given to the state of Portobello High Street. hairdresser`s, nail bars, and charity shops.
I am certain that the former site of Mcall's and recent pop up upholsterer next door has already been sold in order to build 'flats' for max profit.

#8 Posted by RandomSub on 17 Mar 2023 at 16:40 PM

Such disappointing detailing and material choice- the prominent blank ends, the relationship between dormer and bay windows, the weird proportions in the context of those of the neighbouring houses, the use of brick in a street of sandstone….and all in the context of one of the finest streets in Portobello!

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