Rosslyn Castle vaults forward to a sustainable future
May 14 2025
One of the most significant heritage sites in Midlothian is facing the future with confidence following the completion of crucial structural repairs.
Rosslyn Chapel Trust appointed Page/Park Architects to strengthen Rosslyn Castle's east range, the only inhabited portion of the site following a 1980s restoration, to stabilise supporting vaults and enhance existing holiday accommodation.
The project saw a permanent Douglas Fir and Welsh slate roof erected over the vaults, designed to match the existing roofscape from the outside while revealing two oversized purlins resting on a new chimney breast when viewed internally. Curtain wall glazing to the west gable of the reimagined Great Hall profiles the former ruin and opens views to an ancient yew tree.
In a statement, Page/Park told Urban Realm: "The recently completed conservation project at Rosslyn Castle, is one of the most significant heritage sites in Midlothian. The project provides a new permanent roof over a ruinous section of the castle for the first time in 350 years.
"The building dates from the 16th century and has spent most of its history partly in ruins after Cromwell’s army ransacked it in 1650. The modern intervention brings the spaces back into use and safeguards the historic fabric for future generations. Medieval vaults below the ground floor have also been repurposed, now housing new air source heat pumps making the castle Net Zero Ready. This, along with a range of low embodied-carbon materials and building techniques have provided a uniquely sustainable future for the 16th century asset."
Accompanying conservation work and repair emphasises traditional materials and techniques, particularly around eroded stonework with masonry walls rebuilt to support the new structure. Lime-based insulating plaster has been applied to the walls with wood fibre insulation used for the floors and roofs.
Photography by Jim Stephenson
Crumbling vaults were in danger of collapse without structural intervention
The Great Hall once again sits at the heart of the castle
The impressive new Douglas Fir roof is fully revealed from the inside
The rebuilt west gable brings the only exterior nod to the contemporary
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