Conversion of existing 1970s office building into 119 bedroom 4 star hotel with restaurant and conferencing facilities. Including demolitions, 2 new extensions, building fabric works, interior design, fit out & furniture design.

ISA identified opportunities for economic extension by widening the plan of the building, which allowed room numbers to be increased. Public spaces and bedrooms were organised to take full advantage of the spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.

Large shopfront windows were introduced to the ground floor street front, to expose the reception and bar areas behind and give the hotel and active street frontage.

A new glazed intervention was designed, which runs the full height of the building, opening up the bedroom level lift lobbies, maximising the relationship to the exterior urban public realm and enhancing the guest’s experience and awareness of the historic location.

The previously introverted bank building now opens itself to the Grassmarket and plays an active role in the urban environment.