Architectural practice 3DReid has been enlisted to design the transformation of the Grade A-listed Buchan House on Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square into a boutique Malmaison hotel.

The firm has been appointed as architects and lead designers by developer S Harrison for the 72-room project.

3DReid has been granted planning approval and listed building consent, with the conversion of the disused building set to create a 72-key hotel comprising a restaurant, bar, coffee lounge and private dining facilities.

Situated in Edinburgh’s New Town Conservation Area and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, the main part of the building dates back to 1775 as five houses by architect and builder John Young.

3DReid said its design creates a series of “active” public spaces at street level and bedroom accommodation on upper levels, plus two new build extensions within the existing courtyard and rear of the building. An existing 1970’s elevation to the rear of the property will be re-configured and re-clad.

“The new extensions were essential for the commercial viability of the scheme,” said Doug Pearson, associate director at 3DReid. “However, new and old have been clearly delineated as it was of particular importance that the external additions were sensitive to, but visually and materially distinct from, the A-Listed Buchan House.”

Gordon Ferrier, director and head of hotels at 3DReid, added: “This project has drawn on our familiarity with the context and the understanding of the aspirations and aims of the City of Edinburgh Council strategy. We’ve also applied our considerable hotel experience following on from the successful recent completion of the nearby Principal Edinburgh George Street and Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square. Our recently completed HUB Hotel on Rose Street presented very similar challenges in terms of the extension and refurbishment of a listed building in the New Town.”

Newly appointed principal contractor Sharkey got work underway earlier this month with completion anticipated by the end of 2019.