Latest news with #StudioLBA
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Inside the rugged and romantic East Lothian holiday retreat, with its own private beach
If life gets hectic, we can't think of a better retreat than self-catering property The Lookout. This beach house, which was designed by Studio LBA in Kinross, is situated on a private sandy bay, which is a mile or so from North Berwick. It's owned by couple Stephanie and Ryan Lothian, whose other property, Williamstone Farm Steadings, was featured on Scotland's Home of the Year in 2019. We asked Stephanie to tell us more. How did The Lookout come into being? We're based in North Berwick and it was during our lockdown walks along the beach that we spotted an old holiday house for a local couple at Canty Bay, east of North Berwick. Called Chilliwack Cottage, it was originally built in 1935 but had reached the end of its natural lifespan, with extensive maintenance required. My husband and I have been involved in several renovation projects from smaller scale Edinburgh apartments to a Grade B listed holiday cottage The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, in North Berwick. We fell in love with the potential for this beach house, bought it off market, and the project began. The planning process took around two years but the demolition and build was relatively quick, with The Lookout officially open and welcoming guests from July 2024. Who does it attract? It is a private holiday let, with bookings only available directly through our website. Stays are available from £370 (off season) or £550 (peak season) per night. It sleeps two to four and is designed as a tranquil escape for adults, not suitable for pets or children under the age of eight. It's also only accessible on foot via a 350 yards grass pathway so it is therefore not suitable for those with mobility issues. In the first year, it has mainly attracted couples from around Scotland as well as some international guests. Tell us more about its location We've lived in North Berwick for years and our son Lewis has grown up here, so we have many happy memories locally. To own a beach house in such a prime location with its stunning outlook was an opportunity we didn't want to miss. It's the perfect hybrid of secluded but not remote. At the Lookout you feel a million miles from home and civilisation yet you're only a few minutes drive from North Berwick town. It means you could nip out and buy a pint of milk, or if you bought a fish supper, it would still be warm when you unwrap it back at The Lookout. What are the views like, and the light? The Lookout is perched at the far end of a beautiful sandy bay with uninterrupted views out towards the Bass Rock and the Firth of light and views are ever-changing with the seasons. On a clear day you can see out as far as the Fife coast, yet on a stormy day you can't even see Bass Rock. Some guests have been lucky enough to spot the aurora borealis as well as minke whales, an orca pod and dolphins. You can also regularly watch John, the local lobster fisherman, collecting his catch of the day. Why did you choose Scottish architects Studio LBA? We've worked with Lynsay Bell Manson at Studio LBA on our previous projects, including The Barn, and she just 'gets it'. She is always on board with our vision and her sympathetic design style to this type of build, and integration of sustainable materials made this partnership a perfect match. What was their brief? It was quite open as we trusted Lynsay understood our vision, but there were restrictions implemented by planning. When we first invited her to the site, she could see beyond the original dilapidated timber structure and she took in the breathtaking panoramic views and said 'you have to do it'. She really gave us the confidence to make something truly great. Studio LBA implemented a design-led approach to create a thoughtful and considered new beach house that celebrated the panoramic views across the Firth of Forth and created a positive impact on the surroundings. Due to the severely deteriorating nature of the existing cottage, they proposed a replacement cabin of a similar size and scale which would protect and enhance the coastal included using contextually-driven low maintenance materials, such as blackened timber cladding and pearl-beige window frames. What are your favourite features? We adore the finished result, so much so that we always like to reserve a couple nights once a month to visit as a family with our 16 year-old son. The view has to be one of our favourite features, it is so dynamic and changes with the seasons. On a calm day, to stand barefoot on the deck and hear the waves wash onto the shore is so peaceful. It's also therapeutic to sit cosy inside and watch the wind and rain lash against the windows on a stormy winter night. What were your inspirations for the decor? We worked with Rachel and Laura at Hen & Crask, an interior design studio based in Edinburgh's New Town. They took inspiration from the natural surroundings of Canty Bay to curate beautiful luxurious interiors in this cool adult beach haven. Any Scottish designers/artists that you used? We were lucky to work with an amazing team of experienced and skilled tradespeople throughout the project, some to note include: ● Jonnie Schofield (ex British canoeist and Olympic medalist) from Field and Thorn woodcraft. He made the outdoor sofas, table and sunset bench. ● Soo Burnell is the artist behind the two pictures in the living room which were taken at nearby Tyninghame beach. ● The kitchen was made just a few miles away at Fenton Barns by Archispek ● The incredible James Boam blacksmith from Barmagachan Forge designed and built the balcony. ● Artisan Roofing, based in Edinburgh. ● Glenalmond timber for the cladding. Instagram @the_lookout_nb
Scotsman
29-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Why viable masterplans don't require compromises on design
The future of Masterplanning in Scotland is undergoing a transformative shift, one that puts people, place and sustainability at its core. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, developments are being shaped by local needs and priorities, fostering more resilient communities and places that truly belong to those who live there Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The future of masterplanning in Scotland is undergoing a transformative shift, one that puts people, place and sustainability at its core. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, developments are being shaped by local needs and priorities, fostering more resilient communities and places that truly belong to those who live there. The housing market is increasingly defined by rising land values, tightening regulations, and growing demand for quality homes, meaning developers are rightly focused on viability. But there's a persistent myth in the industry that good design comes at the cost of profitability. At Studio LBA, we challenge that thinking. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Our approach to masterplanning is founded on the belief that places designed with ambition, through collaboration and driven by context not only deliver better homes but also stronger returns. We lead with design, but always within the commercial, planning, and community frameworks that our clients operate in. Good building design does not come at the cost of profitability, says Lynsay Bell Manson (Picture: For us, masterplanning starts with the story of the place. We undertake deep analytical studies of each site investigating local history, building typologies, landscape character, and social patterns to inform a design that feels rooted and familiar to the heritage of that location and its community. This has been evident in our work at St Andrews West where a detailed contextual analysis led to a mix of terraces, flatted units and fisher-style cottages. These were interwoven with green corridors and sustainable transport routes, creating a place that's aspirational, connected, and characterful. What sets our masterplanning apart is not only the attention to buildings but to the spaces between them. Our schemes are always landscape-led, with a commitment to enhancing health, well-being, and biodiversity. This belief is so central to our approach that we now offer landscape design in-house, ensuring it's embedded from the very start. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Too often in Scotland, we see housing developments imposed on sites with little regard for their surroundings. Typically, they have generic layouts and repeated house types with landscapes treated as an afterthought. We believe this is a missed opportunity and therefore advocate for schemes that engage with culture, climate, and community. Lynsay Bell Manson is Managing Director at Studio LBA Our designs are heritage-informed but forward-facing, bringing together the authenticity of local materials and typologies with the performance standards and placemaking needs of the future. This includes maximising energy efficiency. Something as fundamental as building orientation and form can dramatically improve performance and reduce costs, and yet it's often overlooked. With land values high and the demand for housing urgent, the need remains to build densely, and through a well-considered design approach we believe that high-density schemes can be hugely successful. Rather than treat density as a constraint, we see it as an opportunity to create vibrant, diverse, and sociable places. With the right housing typologies, we can deliver privacy, access to outdoor space, and community infrastructure in equal measure. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pedestrian flow is critical in this, and we think deeply about how people move, interact, and gather, from shared streets and green corridors to the placement of front doors and garden walls. These small decisions can enable chance encounters that strengthen communities. We know that for developers, any design-led approach must be commercially viable, especially in challenging markets, which is why our process is highly collaborative. We take time to understand our clients' business models and ambitions, and we apply a value-engineering mindset from the outset. This allows us to unlock more developable area, optimise density, and still deliver beautifully considered homes that achieve benchmark sales values. In today's market, that kind of holistic thinking is essential. Scotland is at a turning point in how we plan and build future communities. As planning policy, sustainability standards, and market pressures converge, we believe the answer lies in high-quality, context-sensitive design that enhances place, delivers value, and endures.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Landmark Edinburgh office project sees restoration of historic Robert Adam townhouse
'The Auction Rooms is a bold addition to Edinburgh's office market at a time when demand for premium, central workspace is stronger than ever' Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A landmark office development housed in a listed Georgian property has completed in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town amid strong occupier demand in the capital. The restoration project has transformed the former Bonhams Auction House on Queen Street into The Auction Rooms, with developers promising a 'seamless blend of historic architecture and modern functionality'. The new office space sits within a Grade A Listed Georgian townhouse, designed by the renowned architect Robert Adam, in 1784. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Led by Edinburgh-based Atom Group, with design by Studio LBA and interiors by Nicola McMurray Design Studio, the restoration is said to blend original features, such as grand staircases, ornate cornicing, and arched doorways, with 'contemporary design tailored to modern business needs'. The redevelopment is already at full occupancy. An external view of The Auction Rooms at 22 Queen Street in Edinburgh's New Town. Picture by Angus Behm Lynsay Bell, managing director of Studio LBA, said: 'It's been a privilege to work on such an architecturally distinct building, originally crafted by a pioneering figure in architectural history. Our strategy focused on preserving its stunning Georgian features while optimising the space as a modern, functional office environment. 'The Auction Rooms is a triumph of adaptive reuse and conservation, and a bold addition to Edinburgh's office market at a time when demand for premium, central workspace is stronger than ever.' Communal areas in the building feature soft lighting, 'plush furnishings' and 'relaxed breakout zones', while the meeting rooms and private offices are finished with 'bespoke joinery, statement lighting and custom furniture', developers noted. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mark McMeekin, director at Atom Group, added: 'With the building now fully let and a growing waiting list, demand for high-quality workspaces across major cities is clear. To meet that, we're opening a sister building in the capital and launching MOTA, our new operating brand for serviced offices.' An internal view of one of the suites within The Auction Rooms on Queen Street, Edinburgh. Picture by Angus Behm Meanwhile, another refurbished Edinburgh office building is nearing full occupation after securing a key letting with a global recruitment giant. Hays is moving its Edinburgh operation into 2 Lochrin Square after taking the entirety of the development's upper-most floor - just over 4,000 square feet of space. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Exchange District, 2 Lochrin Square forms half of the overall Lochrin Square development, incorporating the property's original B-listed façade. The property has undergone a major refurbishment programme in recent years to enhance its sustainability. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Several new amenities have also been added, with secure indoor cycle storage and a bicycle repair stand, upgraded showers and changing rooms, a tenant gym with Peloton bikes, and a communal rooftop and lounges. The deal with Hays leaves 2 Lochrin Square with just one fully-fitted suite remaining on the ground floor, which includes kitchen and meeting space. Among the office building's current occupiers are renewable energy groups Orsted, OEG, and Bluefloat Energy and Nadara Partnership, along with telecommunications consultancy FarrPoint. Joint property agents Knight Frank and JLL represented the building's manager - global real estate business Jamestown.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Work starts on new seven-storey capsule hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland
Construction has started on TARKA Edinburgh, a new capsule hotel situated just off St Andrew Square and directly adjacent to the city's Princes Street. Drawing inspiration from Japan's popular capsule hotel concept, the project is being developed by TARKA Hotels in partnership with architect Studio LBA. The project includes the refurbishment of a vacant mixed-use building that was a former job centre. Expected to be completed by mid-2026, the new hotel will feature 242 beds spread across seven storeys. Upon completion, the hotel will also house a rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. Studio LBA managing director Lynsay Bell said: 'TARKA's vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh. "This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike. 'In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture. This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building's original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity.' Axiom Project Services is providing project management and quantity surveying services for the project. Other parties taking part in the project include planning consultants Derek Scott Planning, interior designer studio S+CO, civil and structural engineer Narro, fire engineer OFR Consultants, M&E engineer Parrish Consultancy, and acoustic engineer RMP. "Work starts on new seven-storey capsule hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Herald Scotland
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Work begins on seven-storey capsule hotel in Edinburgh
The project, developed by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with award-winning architect Studio LBA, involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously housed a job centre, office space, and retail. The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. With construction already underway, completion is expected in Summer 2026. READ MORE: Pubs giant lodges plan to convert city centre landmark into 195-room hotel Hotel near fifth oldest golf course in the world goes on market Famous Scottish hotel re-opens after £20million facelift Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, commented: 'TARKA's vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh. This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike. 'In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture. This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building's original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity. 'Nestled within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the New Town Conservation Area, and the New Town Gardens Designed Landscape, the project's location offers breathtaking views from the historic Calton Hill to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. 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.' James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, added: 'TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan—trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK. '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. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.'
