We are delighted to share that Trossachs Steading has been featured in the latest edition of Alder. 

Having visited the site herself, Mary Arnold-Forster reflects on the project and its place within the wider rural landsape. The design involved the sesitive restoration and retention of the original stone walls, reimagining the former brye and factory into a modern dual office and music studio. A stand-alone structure within a larger private estate, this project is a testament to how sensitive conservation can be used to revive historic disused buildings. 

Grab a copy of Alder 04 for the full feature!

We are delighted to have received planning for our project, New houses by Aros Burn, on the Isle of Mull. The proposed development is for a series of houses across 5 new build plots, designed to sit comfortably and sensitively within their rural landscape. Through thoughtful design and detailing, and considered material use, this development will produce sustainable, low carbon homes with longevity in their environment.

Two of our projects can be seen in the latest edition of Gardens Illustrated, as part of a wider article on the work of landscape designer, Tracy McQue. You can see Trossachs Steading and Lochside studios pictured among Tracy's vibrant and vast planting, effectively framing each building and beyond.

Situated at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Helen Lucas Architects have worked on various projects across this site, all with a distinct yet connected character that have been sensitively designed to sit seamlessly within the wider natural landscape. Tracy's powerful and carefully curated landscaping complements each building, creates a natural rhythm between structures and further unites our shared vision to achieve environmental sensitivity and timeless design.

We're thrilled to have our project Georgian Restoration featured in the latest edition of Homes & Interiors Scotland. The article offers a closer insight into the design and construction process that transformed a once run down yet beautiful historic building, into a modern and energy-efficient family home.

Interviews with the client and project architects, Rosalind Love and Issey Fraser, reveal the thoughtful design approach behind the restoration. Sensitive interventions allowed the building’s historic features to be carefully retained and repurposed, while the intergration of modern technologies ensures the home’s comfort, efficiency, and longevity. 

Pick up a copy to read more about this fantastic project!

We're happy to announce that we have extended the dates of our exhibition, A Conversation on Conservation, which will now be live until the end of June. 

Thank you to everyone who has visited the exhibition so far, it's been a wonderful experience and we're excited to have it running for a wee bit longer!

If you're interested, please pop by. It's hosted at our offices and is accessible during office hours. 

We are excited to annouce that Helen Lucas Architects will be participating in this years Architecture Fringe 2025! 

Hosted at our offices from June 9th-19th, our exhibition, A Conversation on Conservation, will be open for all to attend with no advanced booking required. 

Curated by Helen Lucas Architects, A Conversation on Conservation examines the process and significance of preserving Edinburgh’s historical architecture. Through a selection of our key projects, this exhibition explores conservation in Edinburgh’s New Town, showcasing how thoughtful, sensitive interventions can preserve its distinctive historic character while introducing modern adaptations that allow for contemporary use. By maintaining historical integrity and addressing modern energy demands, these projects highlight the essential role of conservation in safeguarding the city’s built heritage, ensuring its longevity and continued relevance.

To read more about our exhibition and other Architecture Fringe events, please click here. 

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.

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.