The project involved the conversion and extension of the redundant Infirmary Street Baths, Edinburgh as a new home for the world-renowned Dovecot Tapestry Studio along with mixed use gallery, office and café spaces and five residential apartments.  On the Buildings at Risk Register, the category B listed building was in very poor condition.

The architectural approach involved sympathetic opening of the separate male and females entrances to form one central welcoming foyer to the building with the existing staircase and new lift providing access to all public / commercial areas of the new development. The former main swimming pool space with its large floor area, high ceilings and excellent natural light levels proved an ideal conversion into the tapestry workshop. The viewing gallery above the swimming pool then offered the opportunity to be a dedicated tapestry gallery which allows visitors to view the tapestry making process in progress, the yarns and looms etc whilst enjoying the finished artwork on display.

The former main and smaller ladies swimming pool basins were converted into two flexible gallery spaces. Above the ladies pool and central foyer two offices and a meeting room space were created within the existing building and as a new contemporary zinc clad addition. The five residential flats benefit from a separate private access on the lane and set on first floor and above are also contemporary in aesthetic as a contrast to the existing stone base course with large expanses of glazing to take full advantage of the beautiful views over the Edinburgh skyline and Arthur’s Seat.

Sustainability was at the forefront of the conversion using natural wood fibre board and hemp insulation, implementing ground source heat pumps for natural hot water and heating sources and utilising passive ventilation to all spaces. Environmental control of the tapestry and gallery spaces were a key criteria on the design brief with lighting, UV and humidity levels all being carefully considered.

Project Architect at Malcolm Fraser Architects from design inception to completion.