We are lucky in Scotland to be surrounded by such beautiful old buildings steeped in history, each telling it’s own unique story. We love being involved in projects rediscovering old gems, watching them transform into incredible spaces for a new era of customers.

The Esslemont & Macintosh department store was the epitome of an Aberdeen institution, an original luxury department store for ladies who lunched from the roaring 1920’s and remained in family ownership for an incredible 130 years. It’s amazing to see old features loving restored and watching those combine with the best of today’s design like our amazing floral features and modern lighting to create an experience for Aberdeen to be excited about in 2019. The Esslemont (see above) quite rightly takes Aberdeen by storm once again.

Similarly The Garment Factory (see above) in Glasgow city centre, a historic and well-known building in the city, has a fascinating story. Built in 1898 to the designs of prolific Glasgow architect James Thomson, it was originally the garment factory of J & W Campbell. During World War II the basement was converted to a bomb shelter with the addition of a steel crash deck! The transformation sees the basement now used as a very 2019 games room. The refurbished building incorporates several elements that reflect the building’s history, most notably a Bute fabric feature wall, reminiscent of the fabric rolls found in the original factory.

Threesixty Architecture selected the top floor and inherited a unique industrial space complete with cast iron columns and great natural daylight. The mix of old industrial with modern furniture and lashings of Benholm greenery make for a truly unique modern space.

Over in Edinburgh we were delighted to be involved with The Court Hostel (see above), an amazing refurbishment of an A Listed former Police Chambers containing both holding cells and the former district court. Sitting within the prestigious Parliament Square in the heart of the Old Town, it was recently transformed into a luxury pod hostel for Code. Sensitively preserving any original features, it houses everything from very small vaulted rooms, which were the original cells to large congregating spaces, originally courtrooms and entrance foyer. With an inmates wall featuring notorious previous residents at reception, we can’t help but wish the walls could talk!

If your projects involve amazing spaces or one you’d like to make amazing, we’d love to hear from you!