Edinburgh
HUB
ShedKM
Tendering
Civic Engineering
Atelier 10
Beaverhall House, located in the vibrant Canonmills area of Edinburgh, is set to transform a 1.25-acre brownfield site into a highly sustainable, mixed-use residential scheme. The project will deliver 205 Build to Rent homes, including 52 affordable units, along with creative workspaces and enhanced public realm. Designed with a clear focus on sustainability, the scheme aims to revitalise the area, providing healthy, low-carbon homes for future residents and contributing to the broader community with new creative spaces and green initiatives. The project is expected to complete in 2025, breathing new life into a key part of the city. Design work began on the eight-storey new-build in August 2021. Following several pre-application consultation meetings with the Edinburgh City Council planning department and community members, planning permission was granted in November 2022.
The development is a collaborative effort led by residential developer HUB and impact investor Bridges Fund Management, with a design by ShedKM. Civic Engineering provides structural and civil engineering expertise, while Atelier 10 consults on MEP. Together, we are creating a scheme that not only meets the growing demand for high-quality rental housing in Edinburgh but also prioritises sustainability, with a design that exceeds current Scottish sustainability regulations. Our involvement, as carbon managers and cost managers, has been pivotal throughout the planning and design process, ensuring that sustainability, cost efficiency, and carbon reduction goals align seamlessly.
Homes
Affordable
Commercial & amenity space
At Circle Development, we have been working closely with the project team from the earliest stages of the scheme, from RIBA Stage 1 through to Stage 3. Our role as carbon and cost managers has been to oversee the development’s carbon footprint, identifying opportunities for low-carbon solutions while ensuring that the costs of these initiatives remain viable within the project’s budget. Throughout this process, we have also managed key risks, such as the implications of complex sustainability measures, and ensured that the project stays on track. Initially, the re-use of the existing structure and warehouse was considered in terms of both feasibility and sustainability. However, with extensive remedial works required to the 50-year-old building, a 5-storey vertical extension and limits on building height due to daylight restrictions, the decision was made to replace the existing warehouse. Currently, we are managing the tender and procurement stages, ensuring that the contractors selected align with the ambitious carbon reduction and cost management goals for this exciting, forward-thinking development.
In addition to its sustainable credentials, Beaverhall House pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage. At ground floor level, each courtyard will make reference to an aspect of the local history, which includes cooperages, tanneries, and mills. These spaces will be enriched with carefully selected materials and richly layered planting that echo these themes, creating an evocative link between the past and the present. The roof terrace’s landscape design further continues this narrative, drawing on motifs and patterns inspired by the milling heritage of the area. Elements from the courtyards below will be incorporated into the rooftop design, balancing coherence and variety across the different spaces and providing a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
This regeneration of Beaverhall House is about more than just creating new homes. It represents a significant step in achieving a greener, more sustainable future for Edinburgh, combining responsible urban development with a strong sense of community. From the creation of eco-friendly housing to the establishment of a public courtyard and collaborative workspace for local creatives, the scheme reflects a commitment to both people and planet, creating a lasting impact on the local area and setting a new standard for future urban developments.
