Project: Westfield AvenueProject Type: Large (51+)Year: 2012Client: Dunedin Canmore Housing AssociationArchitect: 7N ArchitectsLocation: Westfield Avenue, EdinburghContext: CitySector: Housing AssociationCost per Sqm: £1,560.00
Westfield Avenue is a mixed use development in the west end of Edinburgh. It comprises one hundred and ninety three affordable housing residential units and eight small business workspace units. The project brings a holistic design approach to the critical need for affordable, sustainable, housing and small business space in central Edinburgh transforming a vacant brownfield site by the Water of Leith into a vibrant, mixed use, mixed tenure, neighbourhood.
Previously the Westfield site was a vacant, derelict and intimidating environment. It was the site of a former bus depot, which was demolished leaving the site unused and deserted. The site was also home to a “secret garden” in the form of the natural habitat along the banks of the Water of Leith. The three new buildings and associated public spaces fan out towards the Water of Leith, opening up views to the green swathe of the river from deep within the site opening up new pedestrian and cycle connections to the river, which includes the provision of a new footbridge.
The guiding design principle driving the development of Westfield Avenue was the creation of a fully integrated mixed use neighbourhood which takes full advantage of its tranquil riverside setting and provides high quality affordable homes. The layout of the three new buildings allows the green riverside environment to permeate the development which enriches both private garden spaces and the public realm. A striking contemporary design approach has been adopted which creates a strong sense of place and identity and utilises high quality, durable materials throughout.
Westfield Avenue provides much needed high quality, affordable and fully accessible housing in close proximity to Edinburgh’s city centre. The site’s excellent public transport provision as well as direct access to the Water of Leith cycle and walkway network allows a reduced reliance upon the car. The development’s carbon footprint is further reduced by the combined heat and power provided from a central energy centre on the site, high standards of fabric insulation, fully integrated SUDS in the high quality public realm and amenity space provision as well as comprehensive waste and recycling facilities.