09-05-2025
New Edinburgh seven-storey city centre hotel 'inspired by Japanese capsule' craze
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Construction has kicked off for a futuristic seven-storey capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, spearheaded by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with architectural visionaries at Studio LBA.
Set to transform a disused building just off St Andrew Square, this innovative hotel project draws from the efficient and minimalist design of Japanese capsule hotels, adding a dash of luxury with 242 snug sleeping pods, an exclusive rooftop restaurant and bar.
Breaking away from previous incarnations as a job centre, offices and retail space, the property's transformation is well underway, aiming to welcome guests by the upcoming summer season.
Founder of TARKA Hotels, James Scott expressed his vision: "We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels."
Overseeing project management and quantity surveying is Axiom Project Services, with S+CO as the interior design guru, Narro handling civil and structural engineering expertise, Derek Scott Planning consulting on planning, plus contributions from Parrish Consultancy, OFR Consultants, and RMP, reports the Insider.
Studio LBA's managing director, Lynsay Bell, shed light on the distinctive design features: "In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition."
She further detailed the bold aesthetic choices: "The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture.
"Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh's rich heritage."
