In a city known for its architectural charm, Pend's Canon Mews project stands out as a thoughtful and innovative approach to urban development. Nestled in Edinburgh's Canonmills neighborhood, this pair of modern mews homes offers a unique take on traditional design, prioritizing light, privacy, and a quality-led approach.
Unlocking Urban Potential
Pend, in collaboration with Gloss Projects, took on the challenge of transforming an overlooked infill site into something remarkable. The studio's debut development project aimed to demonstrate that even modest urban plots can be maximized with an intelligent and architect-led vision.
"Canon Mews presented a unique opportunity for us to explore the entire design and development process," said Pend director Jamie Anderson. "As architects and developers, we believe we have a unique ability to unlock the potential of constrained urban sites, and this project allowed us to showcase that belief."
Modern Interpretation of Mews Typology
The studio's vision was to create a modern interpretation of the traditional mews typology. By organizing the homes around private courtyards, they achieved a delicate balance between light and privacy. The courtyards not only introduce natural light but also provide framed external views, offering a connection to the outdoors while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
Each home boasts an internal floor area of 111 to 135 square meters, featuring open-plan living areas, three double bedrooms, and an integrated garage. The building envelopes utilize brick reclaimed from the site, adding a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing element to the design.
Attention to Detail
The design and construction of Canon Mews prioritize longevity and attention to detail. The internal material palette strikes a balance between refinement and robustness, with hard-wearing porcelain tiles on the ground floor and solid timber treads on the staircases, complementing the wooden floorboards upstairs.
"Our collaboration with Gloss Projects and Niksen allowed us to maintain a consistent focus on quality and a bespoke outcome at every stage," Anderson explained. "This holistic approach to new build homes is something we believe should be the standard, and we hope our work can serve as a model for future urban development projects."
A Broader Conversation
Pend's Canon Mews project aims to open a dialogue about the potential of small urban sites. By prioritizing thoughtful densification, material quality, and everyday domestic delight, the studio hopes to inspire a new approach to housing solutions.
"With Canon Mews, we've created a study in bespoke housing. It's a direction we're excited to continue pursuing, and we hope it encourages a broader conversation about the possibilities of urban development," Anderson concluded.
This project showcases Pend's expertise in delivering functional, joyful, and expertly crafted architectural projects, a skill set they've demonstrated in previous extensions to Georgian farmhouses and Victorian homes.
Conclusion
Pend's Canon Mews project is a testament to the power of architectural vision and collaboration. By transforming an overlooked site into a modern mews home, they've created a space that prioritizes light, privacy, and quality. This project not only enhances the urban landscape but also inspires a new way of thinking about urban development, one that values thoughtful design and a holistic approach to housing.
