Helen Lucas Architects are delighted to congratulate Associate Nick Green and Senior Associate Lucy Sacker on qualifying as Certified Passive House Designers with the Passive House Institute. 

As Scotland moves towards adopting a Passivhaus Equivalent standard for all new build housing, the depth of knowledge and technical understanding gained will be a valuable resource within the practice in continuing to deliver low energy, super-efficient and thermally comfortable projects – both new build and refurbishment. 

The construction industry has a huge role to play in responding to the Climate Emergency and we look forward to using Passivhaus as a tool to reduce the impact our buildings have by reducing their in-use energy demands, alongside wider efforts to reduce the embodied carbon of our designs. 

Helen Lucas Architects ltd is a member of the Passivhaus Trust and we would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in pursuing a Passive House or Enerphit project.

Helen Lucas Architects are delighted to congratulate Director and Architect, Rosalind Love, on the successful completion of her RIAS Conservation Accreditation. Ros’ specialist knowledge of conservation architecture is invaluable to the practice; many of our projects situated in conservation areas and several undertaking works to listed buildings. Congratulations Ros!

Helen Lucas Architects are delighted to announce that Will Cairns has been made a Senior Associate, and Nick Green an Associate. Congratulations Will and Nick!

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.  

The Architecture Fringe Festival returns from the 4th-20th June 2021 with a wide range of online and on site events, including the online graduate Showcase from Architecture and Landscape Architecture students across Scotland. The Architecture Fringe is a grassroots organisation based in Scotland that explores architecture and design in our social, political and cultural contexts.

The next online event hosted by Construction Declares Scotland is on Thursday 6th May at 16.30. It focuses on the built environment’s response to the climate emergency.

Featured speakers include: 

 

Tickets for the event can be purchased from this link, and more information on the Construction Declares Group can be found here.

 

Lots of our projects have been continuing on site despite the adversity of this last year and we thought we would show some photographs of work currently in development and nearing completion. Out of a long and bitter winter we are beginning to feel the warmth and welcome the new shoots of spring here in Edinburgh, and the connections to landscape and sunlight which have long been imagined begin to reveal themselves with the turning season.  

Helen Lucas Architects is proud and delighted that Christina Gaiger has been announced as one of Architects' Journal’s ’40 under 40’ - a long-running recognition of architecture’s brightest up-and-coming talent.

Since 1985 AJ has been highlighting the most promising architects, innovators and designers and the alumni of ’40 under 40’ include some of the world’s leading designers and thinkers. Congratulations to Christina, an amazing achievement! 

Helen Lucas Architects are delighted to announce that Rosalind Love has been made a director. This reflects the senior role she takes in supporting Helen in the practice. Congratulations to Ros!

 

Many thanks to Smart Works Edinburgh for having us along to celebrate International Women’s Day. It was a wonderful evening to support a fantastic charity. Should you wish to support them or know more about their valuable work please follow this link.  

Helen Lucas Architects recently hosted a community consultation for a new project in the village of Tongue, North-West Highlands. We found it greatly beneficial to discuss our proposals with the local community and they were enthusiastically received. The proposals seek to renew and add to an existing garage, shop and shed buildings formed around an enhanced ‘mercat’ street. We will be providing a new shop with fuel pumps, a restaurant, flexible pop-up shop area, event space, accommodation for tourists and a business start-up unit envisioned to house a microbrewery.

We’re pleased to announce that planning has been granted for our renovation project in Culross, Fife. The proposal is for the extensive refurbishment of an existing 1960’s detached house, set within the environs of the historic Culross Abbey. New cladding materials help to both sustainably improve the external insulation and bed the building into it’s woodland surroundings. A carefully considered extension and internal alterations also combine to help open up much enhanced living spaces to the marvellous views across the Firth of Forth. 

Our project in Edinburgh’s West End is progressing well, with some incredibly neat workmanship of the new and refurbished roof. The new dormer captures tremendous views across the city and to the hills beyond.

Thanks to main contractors Gloss Projects, Grey and Dick windows and Finial roofing for all their hard work.

HLA have recently been awarded planning for a new project in Edinburgh's Grange conservation area. The garden extension acts to bring more light into the building, creating a bright and contemporary living space with strong connections to the garden.  Clad in zinc, it is markedly contemporary whilst also being complimentary to the existing sandstone villa.

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

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. 

As works to the historic Glasite Meeting House continue apace, HLA are excited to announce that we are working with Ingleby Gallery to restore and refurbish this beautiful building as a new contemporary art gallery for Edinburgh's city centre.

Further information can be found here: http://bit.ly/2GzM4Xo

HLA are delighted to have received planning permission for a large family home in the Scottish Borders. The property is currently a ruin, having served as a farm house and stable block until the 1930's. The new home will feature an indoor pool, private sheltered courtyard garden, and will focus on views across the surrounding landscape.

HLA are delighted that two of our projects (Frisealach and Taigh Na Coille) have been included in a new book by Peter Wilson, focussing on contemorary timber construction around the UK.

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.

On the 28th May, Helen Lucas Architects will be taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, raising money for Independence from Drugs and Alcohol Scotland (IFDAS). Split into 3 relay teams, we have a total of 12 runners. If you would like to support these efforts, please donate to the cause below.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/helenlucas5

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.

Helen Lucas Architects entered a recent competition by Highland Council for the design of three roadside shelters at Locharron, Achnasheen and Braemar Junction.

Taking the view, orientation to the sun and exposure to the surrounding environment as the inspiration, the project sought to provide places of ‘prospect and refuge’ for visitors to the area. The shelters used a combination of local materials and pre-fabrication to make construction and repair as easy as possible in these often remote locations. 

Although we were not shortlisted in the final three entrants we very much enjoyed developing these proposals.

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 have recently completed this new build family home in the Swanston area of Edinburgh. The house is designed to nestle into it’s sloping site whilst maximising the views of the Pentland hills beyond.  The orientation and form of the dwelling creates two private courtyards allowing the occupants to enjoy the morning and evening sun both outside and in the principal living area. 

Our project at Hillend is currently up for sale, and is still looking fantastic after 11 years! Please contact the current owners through HLA to receive further information.

The Kylesku Hotel in Sutherland has been included in the "Architectural Guide to the North Coast 500 with meanderings" produced by the Inverness Architectural Association in celebration of the Festival of Architecture 2016.  The NC 500 is a recently established tourist route that passes the hotel.  It comprises of a 500 mile route from Inverness, up the west coast and back via the rugged north coast taking in some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery.  Copies of the booklet area available in tourist centers, arts venues and the RIAS bookshop in Edinburgh.

We are pleased to announce that as of 1st April 2016 Helen Lucas Architects became a Limited Company.

Having moved into our new office in 2015, we are excited to be progressing a range of new and varied projects due on site this year.

Helen Lucas Architects are delighted to announce that 3 members of staff have recently passed their final professional examinations.

We are delighted to have received planning permission for a new build house in Belhaven, East Lothian.

The house will sit at the rear of a long plot with a narrow plan to nestle into the shape of the site. It is split into two main components separated by a modest entrance courtyard. The walls will be clad in brick to match neighbouring buildings, and timber cladding left untreated to grey gradually and blend into the leafy garden surroundings.

Three new members of staff have recently joined the team at Helen Lucas Architects. 

Laura Harty joined the office in June, Neil Dargie in August and Will Cairns in September.

Helen Lucas Architects have now moved in to newly refurbished offices at 31-35 Marchmont Road.

Helen Lucas was recently invited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to discuss the practice of Architecture in the UK. In the podcast Helen shares her unique perspective on the profession, the workplace, sustainability, and what made her originally want to become an Architect. 

Click here to listen to the podcast

HLA can confirm that Helen Lucas will be participating in the Royal Society of Architects in Wales Spring School 2015. Discussing some of our most recent projects around Scotland, Helen will be joined by Valerie Mulvin and Chris Loyn amongst others.

We are delighted to have received planning permission for this new build house in the south of Edinburgh. Set over 2 levels, the transparency of the elevations visually connect the interior spaces with 2 new courtyard gardens, whilst the upper roof terrace takes in fantastic views to the Pentland Hills.

After a busy winter on site, HLA are delighted to announce that the Phase 1 of our Kylesku Hotel project is complete, with the hotel bar and restaurant open for business! Thanks to some fantastic weather our latest site meeting was held on the deck, in the warm sunshine.

Helen Lucas Architects observe the eclipse through their carefully constructed pinhole cameras.

We were pleased to see our two complementary rear extensions to a villa in the Grange taking shape. The Summer House is clad in pre-patinated copper. The same material is also used to hightlight a slot picture window on the stone extension, which houses a new bathroom and utility. 

A 100m2 extension to a Georgian House in Northern Fife starts to take shape on site.

The dual pitch of the roof allows for a sheltered external area, which takes advantage of the southern exposure whilst providing internal shading during the summer months. 

Helen Lucas Architects were delighted to attend the 2014 Inverness Architectural Association Convention on Skye. Enjoyable presentations included those by Hugh Strange, Jonathan Hendry and Malcolm Fraser amongst others, as well as a talk by Helen Lucas entitled 'Building on the Edge'.

The office was delighted to be awarded a Commendation for Best Use of Timber at our Croft House, Stoer, which was collected by Project Architect Claire Metivier.

This listed gatehouse was completed two years ago.  Our phographer has been back to photograph it now the cladding has weathered and the garden has matured.  More details of the project at Grange Loan can be seen on our main website.

Helen Lucas was invited to a Russwood extended CPD in Pisek, Czech Republic, with a selection of Architects from across Scotland. The CPD was an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the production and design possibilities of timber flooring. 

A workers cottage in west Edinburgh has been transformed by a full width rear extension.  The zinc extension perches on top of the existing stone work giving the back of this previously cramped property a complete overhaul.

The bathroom window has been positioned at one of our Highland sites and the view is spectacular.

Eigg and Rum can be seen from the smallest room in this west-coast house.  The timber frame is taking shape quickly in this spectacular spot.

Helen Lucas Architects were delighted to obtain planning permission for the refurbishment and extension to a Highland Hotel this month.

The proposals include a new accommodation block, extended restaurant and refurbished bar and dining area.  One of the most exciting additions is a timber deck that will cantilever over the loch to provide breathtaking views and alfresco dining.

A party was held at the site of the new Conacher Reynolds house to celebrate the completion of the foundations.  The neat concrete pads will support the green oak frame giving a light touch on the sloping landscape overlooking the sea.

Work to an upper villa in Duddingston Conservation area is now complete.  The scheme has linked the upper apartment with a new ground floor extension which opens onto the garden with a view of Arthur's Seat.

We have recently completed a small extension in the Kingsknowe area of Edinburgh.  The extension is finished in a breathable lime render with framed sliding doors and timber clad inlay.

We have recently completed an extension to a house on a corner within the Portobello conservation area.

Helen Lucas Architects have received plannning permission for a new low energy house in rural Midlothian. The house will feature an air source heat pump, rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The building will be clad with lime render, larch boarding and standing seam zinc roofing.

Planning Permission has been granted for a new house on Canaan Lane in Edinburgh's Morningside neighbourhood.

The 3d image below shows how the new 3-bedroom family house will use natural local sandstone to match the adjacent historic house, with a contemporary zinc-clad upper storey.

This green oak framed house, completed in 2008, was featured in the homes section of the Guardian on Saturday 5th October.   The photographs show how the house has weathered into - and become a natural looking part of - the landscape.

View the article here >

More information on this project >

Grange Loan has been awarded a commendation in the Alterations, Renovation and Extension category of the Saltire Society Housing Awards.

Helen Lucas Architects have been providing placements  for school students through Edinburgh University's Pathways to the Professions programme for a number of years. There is now a film!

 

Our recently completed project at Grange Loan has recieved a commendation at the Saltire Awards.

Edinburgh based Helen Lucas Architects have produced a computer model of a proposal in the London Borough of Richmond. A series of small additions are proposed to a Grade II Listed house.

The priorities are to increase the natural light and flow of spaces in this historic property that was badly bombed during the war. The high quality materials specified can be seen in this computer generated image produced at HLA. Painted brickwork, zinc roofing and large areas of glazing continue the palette and details established by the main house.

Helen Lucas Architects are able to produce computer generated or physical cardboardmodels as a design tool or representation of a proposed scheme for their clients.

Other model photos and renderings can be found by filtering news stories by computer model and model

The construction of a stoneclad, single storey garden room extension is completed at Moston Terrace, Edinburgh. The garden room extension element of the ground floor extension and refurbishment of this family home is completed.

The stoneclad exterior and timber framed windows sit comfortably with the existing house while maintaining the sleek language of a modern extension.

View more garden rooms >

The extension to a small listed home in Edinburgh is moving at a fast pace After a little over a month on site the form of this contemporary extension is plainly visible. This is a major advantage of using timber frame construction.

A new build timber frame home in Roshven takes shape. The timber cladding has been added to a new build holiday home on the West Coast of Scotland.

The site overlooks a shingle beach with the building sited just above the high tide line. The siberian larch and iroko cladding will turn naturally to a silver grey harmonising with surroundings.

View the completed project >

Cladding is added to Timber Frame extension. The project is really starting to take shape as the timber cladding starts to be applied to a contemporary timber frame extension to a listed building in East Lothian.

View more projects using timber>

Timber frame extension starts on site at Dick Place, Edinburgh. Progress has been fast in the first few weeks on site with this timber frame extension which will double the footprint of the original gatehouse.

Designed to be as passively energy efficient as possible, this project is an exciting one to watch.

A window with a great view over central Edinburgh is installed at Hartington Gardens.

A sliding, folding window is installed permitting panoramic views across Edinburgh from a modern third floor extension and refurbishment. The window is pushed beyond the building envelope allowing spectacular 180 views over the surrounding rooftop

View the completed project >

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Renovated and refurbished Maids quarters create light and contemporary living space in Edinburgh.

Existing Maids rooms were refurbished with new, larger windows added, creating a modern feel and flooding the rooms with natural light. The existing plan was opened up to give more generous living areas and comfortable circulation to the large Edinburgh home. The surrounding garden was also smoothed into a split level lawn paving aiding the houses engagement with the garden.

Simple Shepherd's Cottage transformed into generous family home in the Highlands.

A contemporary, light extension to a small original cottage creates comfortable, airy living spaces with spectacular views out to the hills.

A wind turbine is sat distanced from the house and solar panels have installed on the south facing roof. This project was recently completed and featured in this month's Grand Designs Magazine.

View photographs of the completed project >