We are delighted to have recently received Planning Permission for a project in Trafford, Greater Manchester. The proposed ground floor extension will wrap around the existing semi-detached house, reconfiguring it into a modern family home for our clients. To the front, a discreet covered pend will run past a new bike store through to a sunny courtyard where a new private entrance will lead to flexible living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The extension's form is designed to take advantage of the angled site which widens to the rear, with the plan broken into smaller volumes to minimise its impact and create intimate spaces. 

The design references the traditional red brick houses of the area, with protruding bricks, contrasting banding, and zinc detailing used to offer a contemporary interpretation of the Manchester vernacular.  

Helen Lucas Architects Ltd are excited to announce that we are currently working with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to reinvigorate the Grade B Listed Inverleith House. The project will establish design solutions to sensitively refurbish and upgrade the garden’s key creative programmes venue, amplifying the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Arts Strategy to establish Inverleith House as Climate House and be both ecologically and sustainably focused. 

Stripping back the historic layers and piercing the gloom; bringing new life to a New Town flat. 

We are delighted to announce that works at Bread Street are almost complete. Keep your eyes peeled for The Fat Pony, a new wine bar opening to the public in the very near future. Almost all of the elements in the bar are bespoke and crafted locally; from the Douglas Fir shuttering and mild steel detailing, to the fabric panelling and folded metal light fittings . The Fat Pony will offer a unique selection of wines, charcuterie, small plates and more.

Images of the completed project can be found here.

HLA are delighted to have received Planning Permission for an attic extension at a house in the Coltbridge and Wester Coates Conservation Area. The property was previously extended for the same owners by Helen Lucas Architects in 2009.

HLA are delighted to have received Planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the renovation and extension of a B-listed Victorian villa in the Merchiston and Greenhill Conservation Area. Extending into an unused existing void space, the proposal strives to reorganise the villa to adapt to the needs of modern living; a generous kitchen-dining space overlooks the leafy front garden, whilst new decking and openings accentuate the relationship between the house and the redesigned rear garden.

A quadripartite window to the front elevation is composed to match the existing fenestration; the verticality and generous proportions are a contemporary articulation of the original early Victorian facade.

The renovation and extension of this house in Merchiston, Edinburgh is now nearing compeltion. Work has included the formation of new zinc clad extensions to the rear of the house, as well as extensive Lithomex stone repairs, which beautifully match the original building fabric.

HLA are delighted to have received Planning permission and Listed Building Consent for the renovation and change of use of a C-listed mews house in the Dean Conservation Area, Edinburgh.

The dilapidated garage space is to be insulated and converted into a spacious one-bed home. A new opening to the rear reveals the stunning backdrop of the Dean Village and Water of Leith.

Originally designed as a row of stables in the late 19th Century, our proposal strives to retain the character of the original timber coach doors. A contemporary adaptation of the street elevation provides clerestory light, a hidden window concealed by a shutter, and a new place to sit and enjoy the sun.

HLA were pleased to attend the formal opening of new practice rooms at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland yesterday. The new practice rooms have already proved popular, and initial feedback from staff and students has been very positive.

HLA have very much enjoyed working with the Royal Conservatoire and the project team and hope that their new Creative Campus is an asset to this lively and thriving institution.

The opening has been covered by both the BBC and The Herald.

HLA were pleased to revisit our project at Woodhall Road, Edinburgh 18 months after practical completion. The garden-room features a postless corner, allowing open views and access to the adjacent garden.

We are pleased to announce our appointment by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for a £1.6m refurbishment at their headquarters in Glasgow. Having been awarded 6th in the world for performing arts eduction, R.C.S.’s enduring popularity has led to an increase in student numbers.

 

The project involves internal reconfiguration of the prominent Renfrew Street building designed by Sir Leslie Martin, and introduction of new windows to the existing elevations to provide a number of acoustically high-performance individual and ensemble practice rooms. Also included are gathering spaces to support social and creative interaction, the lifeblood of The Conservatoire’s unique student output. 

 

H.L.A. look forward to working with R.C.S. to provide spaces which inspire students and are worthy of this internationally acclaimed institution.