Piling has now begun on site, which was formerly a care home, following the granting of planning approval by the City of Edinburgh Council in December 2020.

Set to “benchmark new standards” in sustainable homes development, Artisan said Rowanbank Gardens’ industry-leading design is geared to achieving low to zero carbon development - as well as creating a more open and landscaped environment to benefit general health and well-being. It links closely with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ‘Future Edinburgh’ strategy which aims to make the city carbon neutral within the next ten years. Smart building design has been matched with an innovative approach to placemaking and community - introducing such creative concepts as green roofs, ‘edible’ gardens and green transport plans to sensitive city centre environments 

The development is designed around a central courtyard garden providing nearly twice the level of open space recommended by council planning policy, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds. Apartments are designed for open plan living with large windows giving views of the courtyard and the wider area, while green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, insulation and ecology.

Welcoming the start on site, David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish regional manager, said: “We are all excited to start at Rowanbank Gardens, which promises to significantly raises the industry bar on sustainable homes development. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience. 

“The site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating brownfield sites with good public transport links and is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership. There are also all-electric charging points for the provided car parking, City Car Club membership and generous secure cycle parking.”

Artisan appointed Cruden Building East to deliver the new 2.28-acre housing development, which has been designed by 7N Architects.

Allan Callaghan, managing director of Cruden Building East, said: “We are delighted to begin the construction of the Rowanbank Gardens project on behalf of Artisan and to be working on such a transformative development for Scotland’s capital city.

“We share a strong commitment to delivering sustainable developments and Cruden has been working closely with Artisan and 7N Architects on this landmark urban regeneration to ensure that we deliver smart, energy-efficient homes at Rowanbank Gardens which meet the evolving needs of homebuyers. Crucially, this development will bring significant community benefits, including providing local jobs for local people, to create a more vibrant future.”

Artisan is perhaps best known in Scotland for large-scale city regeneration projects like New Waverley, which has transformed the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The developer is now applying the same values and philosophy which has guided the successful design and execution of New Waverley to its residential developments, setting it apart from other major homebuilders in Scotland. 

“Remaining true to our urban regeneration credentials, at the heart of all Artisan’s developments is building a strong sense of place,” added Clive Wilding, Artisan’s group development director. “We are specialising in niche urban developments in the most exciting parts of the city centre, creating a high-value premium product for a wide range of homebuyers, including young professionals, families and downsizers.  

“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be commercial, residential or mixed-use. Our track record in Edinburgh and in Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.”