Helen Lucas Architects had an inspiring and fascinating day at Historic Environment Scotland's Engine Shed on 'Conservation Ethics and Approaches'. The keynote lecture was by Caitlin DeSilvey, exploring the philosophy of managed decay and material change and letting historic buildings 'be'. Her book, 'Curated Decay: Heritage Beyond Saving' by The University of Minnesota Press, is a thought-provoking and provocative read. 

Helen Lucas Architects have recently been awarded planning for three new projects. These include two large garden extensions of villa properties in Edinburgh’s Grange and Merchiston and an extension and renovation of a remote ex-worker’s cottage in the Scottish Borders. All the projects allow the existing properties to connect with their immediate garden surroundings and, in the case of the cottage, the stunning landscape views beyond.

HLA have recently completed a new 3 bedroom house on a narrow site in the Belhaven Conservation Area.

It sits to the rear of the site, clad in brick and Scottish Larch. The roof is zinc and the whole house is insulated with breathable wood fibre insulation. 

HLA are proud to announce than Helen Lucas has been elected as a member of the council of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. 

Members of the new council have released the following joint statement:

'We are pleased to have been voted on to RIAS Council and, foremost, delighted to be supporting Robin Webster to the Presidency. Having actively campaigned for change to the RIAS, we will work with Robin as he drives improvements forward.  We have viewed with concern the failings within the organisation and are aware that the Charity Regulator’s inquiry is “still ongoing”. We will, therefore, be pushing for the RIAS to be open, in order to demonstrate that we have learned from such mistakes in building a new, relevant, vibrant, approachable and accountable professional body.'

Helen Lucas Architects’ project for Ingleby Gallery at the Glasite Meeting House has been featured in the latest issue of the Magazine of The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland. Written by architectural assistant to the project Cal Harris, the feature charts the historic development of the Glasite Meeting House and details the recent conversion into a dynamic, versatile platform for contemporary art.

The full article can be read here (.pdf).

Links to information regarding membership to AHSS can be found here .