This modern Edinburgh mews house scheme is tucked away in the Scottish capital's city centre, offering a calming retreat from the urban bustle. Titled Canon Mews, the project marks Pend Architect’s debut development and sees the practice transform an overlooked infill site in the Canonmills neighbourhood into a pair of contemporary, design-led homes.
Jamie Anderson, director of Pend, drew inspiration from the iconic work of a renowned Japanese architect, he tells Wallpaper*: ‘The project was unlocked for us by looking at Tadao Ando’s Row House in Osaka, which demonstrates how a tight footprint within an urban setting can be opened through an internal courtyard.’
Canon Mews is located on a constrained brownfield site, offering limited frontage. Anderson notes, ‘Drawing from this precedent, we turned the scheme inward, carving out a sequence of courtyards and terraces that draw daylight deep into the plan and organise the two homes spatially. Materially, the inspiration is rooted in the existing fabric of the site, with reclaimed brick informing the base and a warm, red zinc complementing the tone of the existing brickwork.’
As this was a self-initiated development, the project required unwavering persistence at every stage of the design. ‘Our initial planning application was actually refused, before being unanimously approved on appeal,’ explains Anderson. ‘It was a difficult and frustrating process, but one that ultimately strengthened the clarity of the proposal.’ As it demanded a high level of coordination and problem-solving, the architecture firm collaborated with local contractor Gloss Projects to complete the development as a joint venture.
The architect notes the physical constraints of the site, as it was tightly bound on all sides, which meant construction had to be approached ‘inside out’. However, the result embodies Pend’s ambition to reimagine the mews typology and created two, three-bedroom homes that carefully balance privacy, outdoor space, and access to natural light, neatly packaged into the small urban footprint.
Upon entering the mews, Pend wanted to create a sense of calm. ‘From the outset, Canon Mews was conceived as a sanctuary within the city. The balance between daylight and privacy was carefully calibrated, using courtyards and layered thresholds to create moments of both openness and enclosure,’ explains Anderson.
'We were particularly interested in the environmental psychology theory of “prospect and refuge” as a means to shape spaces that feel both protected and connected. The result is an environment that is quietly restorative, despite its rather chaotic urban setting.’
Canon Mews was designed to be an alternative market option for discerning buyers who look for longevity and thoughtful, considered design. Pend and Gloss Projects captured this through the houses' materiality. The envelope of each home was constructed by reclaimed brick found on site, which was cleaned and reinstated to suit the new arrangement. Complementing the red brick facade is a red zinc which defines the upper storey and roofline.
Internally, the homes are fully fitted and ready to inhabit. Thoughtfully composed, neither minimalist nor extravagant, the Edinburgh mews pair echoes a quiet elegance. The ground floor is finished in porcelain tile, while solid timber treads from a sculptural stair with a bespoke metal balustrade lead up to a light, open kitchen and dining space complete with a roof terrace on the first floor. The courtyards are left in their exposed, existing brick, which intertwines with the red zinc. It makes for a cohesive, yet striking visual contrast.
The composition is not only beautiful, but holds a touching memory for the architecture firm, as Anderson shares with Wallpaper*: ‘The detailing of the entrance holds particular meaning for us. Early sketches for the project were developed by our late friend and colleague, Andrew Gillespie. Andrew was an incredible architect, and an early sketch proposed reusing existing bullnose bricks found on site to signify the entrance to each property. The result is a softening of the brickwork that marks the transition into the homes.'
'It is a subtle intervention, but one that carries deep significance for us. It speaks both to Andrew’s legacy within our practice, and to our belief that a level of care over the small details is what ultimately defines the quality and character of a home.’
You can find out more about Andrew’s impact on Architecture in Scotland at andrewgillespietrust.org pendarchitects.com