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The Colours of Linlithgow

Part 1 Project 2004
James Whitaker
Zeina Al-Derry
University of Edinburgh Edinburgh | UK
Situated on the edge of the Union Canal, looking north to the Trossach mountains, Linlithgow Palace, and the Almond Valley this project explored the possibility of a small community of sustainable live/work-units within the context of the Scottish central belt, and a town that is essentially a commuting settlement serving Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Taking their orientation from the surrounding views, the live-units float above the land, stretching north to absorb the kaleidoscope of colours.

The work-units nestle beneath, defined by dry-stone walls that sweep across the site, following the contours of the land.

James Whitaker
Zeina Al-Derry


James' project developed from an ambition to design a sustainable community close to the Forth/Clyde canal which has recently re-opened. He was wary of adopting a 'soft' timber aesthetic which may be a more conventional approach to such a brief and instead adopted a linear form which would sit above, and link into, undercroft buildings following the contours of the site.

The division between live and work was made as a vertical connection with work units developed only where and when required by the owners.

The design work was supported by a written analysis of the building sequence and thermal performance.


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2004
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