The development of these innovative four-bedroom, two storey townhouse properties for developers Glencairn Properties will be located on a site which currently consists of a derelict open agricultural barn within a collection of previously converted steading buildings. Adjacent to a notable B-listed 19thcentury farmhouse, the location enjoys expansive and open westerly views over the Hermitage to Blackford Hill.

The approach that LBA and Glencairn Properties have taken for the build is a design-led contemporary interpretation of the existing agricultural barn with standing-seam metal roof, vertical timber cladding with a wrapping stone wall base re-using the existing stone on the site.

The internal design of the townhouses is highly contemporary and innovative focused around a central fully glazed external void courtyard, which cuts through the roof and down through both floors of the properties. Natural light and ventilation will permeate the core of the building.

On entering the building at ground level, there is a covered entrance hallway, which leads past the glazed internal courtyard to the staircase, which takes you up to the first floor open plan living area above. Two double bedrooms open onto the courtyard at ground floor with a further two bedrooms located to the rear of the property. There is also a smaller private bedroom courtyard with framed views through the stone wall across the fields to the West.

The first floor level showcases the living and dining area’s expansive open views perfectly with an impressive vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling glazing opening onto a large external partially covered private terrace with frameless glass balustrades. The terrace will benefit from the sun during the day whilst providing a sheltered area to dine in the evening.

A feature glass floor leading from the dining area to the East facing family sized kitchen serves as a stylish ‘bridge’ across the courtyard void. As with all Glencairn Properties, the interior specification offers state-of-the-art appliances, a contemporary kitchen design with island, space for another large dining/breakfast area and Juliet balconies to both the dining and kitchen spaces which would enable the owners to connect with one another at both ground and first floor levels across the courtyard.

The ground floor storey stone wall of each townhouse property, which currently wraps and protects the barn, has been further incorporated into the design of the retaining wall to the front entrance of the building. This defines the vehicular entrance into the site and the elevation of a separate shared triple garage building to the South of the barn.

Each townhouse will also have a single garage with storage and a separate car parking space adjacent. These garages have been designed to blend sympathetically with their surroundings embracing the rural feel of the site with natural stone walls and a wild flower green roof complementing the landscaped, shared wild garden to the South aspect of the barn.

Commenting on the development, David Hill, design director for LBA, said: “We are extremely proud of this development and grateful for the opportunity to work with Glencairn Properties on such an innovative site. This is a truly outstanding development, of which there is no comparison in Edinburgh. The location and design of the townhouses set it apart, it’s a location that feels rural yet the properties benefit from a highly contemporary design. You’re minutes from the Pentlands, can access the Hermitage and benefit from unparalleled views across the iconic Edinburgh skyline. The development will really come alive in the early evening with the glow of light from the internal spaces through the ‘hit & miss’ timber cladding and with the backdrop of the observatory and Liberton Tower in the low level evening sun, it’s going to be spectacular.”

Daryl Teague, director of Glencairn Properties, added: “The LBA team has clearly defined our vision for the Liberton Tower development. These townhouses offer the highest quality contemporary design-led build and layout that’s innovative yet sympathetic to the surrounding architecture and environment.

“The plans will create townhouse properties with unrivalled views, open and flowing interiors and striking exteriors. The introduction of materials such as traditional stone, glass and timber, and highly original aspects such as the internal glass bridge and courtyard area help to maximise natural light making the most of the development’s location. We are confident that we offering homebuyers the unique opportunity to benefit from rural living combined with design-led architecture in a highly sought after area. You’re on the south side of the city with easy access to beautiful countryside, right on the doorstep of Morningside and Liberton, and within close proximity to the City centre and bypass network.”

Work is expected to start on site this summer with prices from £500,000.