The proposed development includes business use on the ground floor and 18 residential apartments with associated amenity space above.

The design by 3DReid considers sustainable densification in a suburban setting, through a delivery of affordable housing. The mix includes 1, 2 and 3-bed flats, with generous living spaces to the core of each apartment.

The proposed materiality of the building responds to the local colour palette. Buff brick compliments the tones of the context, whilst the use of two tone mortar marks the switch between the public and residential parts of the building. The colour red, picked out from the surrounding streetscape, is used to accent key elements within the scheme such as the access deck and pagoda.

The amenity area above ground floor incorporates a communal roof garden that directly engages with the deck access apartments, whilst providing a high quality dedicated external space to all those who reside in the development. This first floor garden creates a safe and private space for residents to enjoy, and supplements access to surrounding green space and local amenity including Clermiston Park to the north.

In terms of massing, the height of the tower establishes a relationship with the neighbouring Drumbrae Library and seeks to establish more of an urban presence to Drum Brae Drive and the wider city. Apartments accessed from the deck step down to tie into the scale of the neighbouring homes. The proposals look to reinforce the formation of a local centre, structured around the current Community Hub, increasing critical mass and amenity for the benefit of the wider area.

Murray Faughnan, technical coordinator at AMA, said: “We are excited to be working with 3DReid on this project to provide new affordable homes and commercial space, in line with AMA’s core values of placemaking through high-quality and considered design. The proposals look to enhance the local area, contributing to the wider Drumbrae Community Hub, while also pioneering and reinforcing the City of Edinburgh Council’s plans to provide greener, healthier ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’ within the city.”

Darren Park, associate director at 3DReid, added: “The proposals will bring a new vibrancy to this derelict suburban site and satisfy demand for affordable homes close to the city centre. The design is composed of three architectural elements - a base, a tower and a terrace. The massing responds to the immediate context and looks to positively address the wider city and green space to the north, with generously proportioned flats and the communal garden providing key amenity to future residents.”

The new development aims to contribute positively to the current demands for affordable accommodation within the wider city, as well as create a precedent for new housing tackling this need within the local area.

The project team includes:

• Client: AMA (New Town) Ltd
• Architect & Lead Consultant: 3DReid
• Structural & Civil Engineer: Will Rudd Davidson
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Blackwood Partnership
• Transport Consultant: Transport Planning
• Acoustics Consultant: Robin Mackenzie Partnership