Located in the heart of Leith, adjacent to Constitution Street, a newly introduced tram track, and in close proximity to Leith Walk, Leith Links, the shore, and the harbour, the proposal site presents a crucial junction for pedestrian travel. The site currently comprises an existing traditional sandstone/brick structure, which is out of use and has an intrusive quality with scaffolding and a ruined wall. The Stepping Stone Food Hub, an extension program of Edinburgh Community Food and Harbour Homes Scotland, aims to promote healthy eating habits, provide shelter spaces and employment opportunities, and create civic gathering spaces using a well-defined tectonic strategy. The proposal embraces the concept of Adaptive Reuse, which will allow for the repurposing of parts of the existing building and the introduction of a robust and durable superstructure capable of accommodating future adaptive design interventions. By manipulating the differences in the lifespan of various building materials, this approach aims to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the building site.
Ching-En Lin (Eric)
Project description
URBAN SITE
Leith, located in the north of Edinburgh, is a historic port district with a vibrant past. It has been a bustling commercial centre, attracting a diverse population of merchants, sailors, and immigrants. The architecture reflects its evolution, blending old and new structures. Traditional sandstone tenements from the 19th century coexist with modern buildings as Leith undergoes regeneration and development. The area has become popular, drawing in young professionals and creatives who appreciate its unique character and proximity to the city centre. However, rising property prices and rental costs raise concerns about affordability and the potential displacement of residents. There are also worries about the impact of gentrification on the area's culture, character, and daily life, including its culinary scene. Balancing growth and preserving Leith's identity remains a challenge as the district continues to evolve.
Site G is adjacent to Constitution Street and directly across from St. James Church in Leith. Constitution Street is a busy thoroughfare, with the new tram track transforming the junction with Chatfield Lane into a bustling civic intersection. The site is crucial for pedestrian circulation, serving as a necessary pathway for travellers.
FLOOR PLANS
Precedent - Synthes Headquarter, Peter Märkli
Peter Merkli’s Synthes Headquarters building is an iconic megastructure located in Solothurn, Switzerland. The design of the building features a series of interconnected towers that rise above a transparent base, creating a striking visual impact. The depth of the facade was created with the separation of structural layers, including the 2m offset along the boundary of the building, which formed a threshold space between public and private blocks. We looked at the building as a structural precedent to our final proposal, did a 1:50 bay model to study its structure and built an attached extension to experiment with the structural features we extracted.
PRECEDENT MODEL GALLERY
Separation of Structural Layers
Upon studying Merkli’s Synthes Headquarters, I realized the effectiveness of separating structural layers. This design technique not only adds depth to the facade and infuses the ground floor with a civic quality, but it also divides the warm and cold structures to prevent cold bridging.
Scale & Perception
Synthes Headquarters' columns feature knots at top and bottom, symbolizing the contrast in scale between humans and buildings. The proposed design embraces this playful perception, enhancing the user experience with varied perspectives.
Rhythm
From the extension exercise, I discover the subtlety of the duo structural grid and its rhythm throughout the building. In my design, I continued the rhythm in concrete columns and timber cladding.
EXISTING STRUCTURE
KEY JUNCTION BUILD-UPS
CIVIC VOIDS
The aim of the civic voids is to create a communal space that encourages social engagement and interaction. The building has three opening spaces that face three different streets adjacent to the exposed facades. The three voids are connected by a route that pierces through the building, creating several alternative paths for pedestrians and occupants. Each civic void has its own unique quality and function.
Facing Constitution Street, Void 1 acts as a civic gathering space that provides a pause for pedestrians on the busy road. It also serves as a threshold space before entering the cafe or Void 2. Outdoor seating is provided for resting and eating in all three voids.
Facing Coatfield Lane, Void 2 is a deep, multifunctional empty space that was introduced as the new route to Coatfield Lane. The area has direct access to the civic hall, cafe, and educational kitchen. It is also connected to the central courtyard. The multifunctional hall has two large pivot doors that allow the expansion of the indoor hall outward, combined with Void 2. This feature is ideal for the weekend farmer/flea market.
Facing the back parking spaces, Void 3 is a back garden with a grand staircase that accesses upper residentials. It offers more privacy compared to the other two voids and has bicycle parking space and access to the lift. Void 3 shares rooms with the community shop, allowing sellers to place their baskets as a showcase to pedestrians.
PROPOSAL: The proposed program will be running for approximately 50 years and will cease cause of either the program takeover or the material ageing issue of existing stone walls or earth brick walls (shorter life span).
ALTERATION: The reclaimed earth brick is then re-erected to the site to better fit the new program. (The flexibility is left for future assigned architects to adapt and experiment with) This new project is then initiated with the old body of structure for another 25 years (approx.)
FINAL FORM: After the building is dismantled completely, the strongest component, concrete, still stands firmly after 75 years. It has become a civic park with remaining seating and tree bases made from reclaimed earth brick. It has become a foundational base structure for future adaptive reuse ever since.
MATERIAL LIFE SPAN
Through strategic manipulation of the varying lifespans of building materials, this innovative approach aims to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the construction site. By perceiving the building as a composition of ever-changing material layers, with the structural core as the most enduring element, a strong foundation is established to allow for dynamic evolution. This concept, akin to the layers of an onion, offers remarkable flexibility and adaptability. Embracing this approach enhances overall performance, resilience, and environmental impact, promoting sustainable design principles.
BIO-BASED MATERIAL TESTING
Earth bricks are made by compacting clay-riched soil mixed with hay and then drying them in the sun. The resulting bricks are strong, durable, and have excellent insulation properties. Earth brick walls are also breathable and regulate humidity, creating a comfortable living environment. Using local materials reduces transportation costs and emissions, while the low energy required to produce and build with earth bricks reduces the overall carbon footprint of the building. The brick wall is double-layered with insulation in between. Coated with lime render finish on the exterior skin and clay render on the interior.
MODEL GALLERY
Ching-En Lin (Eric)
