An Architectural “insertion” of free-standing, two storey accommodation within an existing B Listed Church auditorium in Edinburgh’s Gayfield Street.  The client, Busy B, a stationery design office, required a rationalisation of their working practice and minimisation of the visual clutter resultant of their design process and to achieve peak commercial use of their new premises.

Conceptually the “insertion” is conceived as a timber storage box, a piece of furniture, openable and inhabitable and utilised internally as a meeting room at ground floor with large storage spaces.  The mezzanine houses the 6 strong design team.  Designed in a contemporary style it compliments the elegant nature of the existing interior by remaining simple and uncluttered.

Clad in timber panels the insertion appears as a piece of furniture, more lightweight and distinct from the existing building.

In eroding the corner of the insertion with full height glazing and repeating the openings above, the insertion meets the balance between the need for natural light and acoustic separation from the main office space.

This project enhances the beauty and openness of the existing building, increasing floor area by 40% and now provides a long term, permanent home for Busy B to match their contemporary design ethos.