The Edinburgh Printmakers creative hub is located within the former headquarters of the North British Rubber Company (NBRC). Our project involved the redevelopment of this derelict building into a multi-use arts complex centred around printmaking production.

Central to the architectural concept was to make precise interventions to facilitate new use while respecting the character and story of the existing building. The NBRC building is the only surviving structure from the once important nineteenth century Castle Mills industrial complex. During the First World War, over one million pairs of rubber boots were made for the army at Castle Mills.

Brief

The Edinburgh Printmakers developed an ambitious brief for their new Creative Hub. They were keen to capture all the characteristics of their successful existing facility at Union Street, but also expand their business to create a more inclusive facility for the production and display of art. The new accommodation includes a large printmaking studio – 50% larger than their current facility – dark room, two galleries, cafe, shop, education room, various archive and storage rooms, staff accommodation as well as creative industry studios.

Shared spaces for creative industry practitioners from the fields of art, craft and design to work collectively are increasingly popular, as people see the benefits in collaborating and sharing resources. The Edinburgh Printmakers Creative Hub includes eight creative industry studios, along with an artist in residence flat, which provide rentable space for a diverse range of tenants.

Conservation

The North British Rubber Company (NBRC) Office Building is the only surviving element of a once large and important 19th century industrial complex in Edinburgh which was internationally renowned at the height of its industrial output, exporting products around the world. Its most significant contributions to industry include the production of both the vulcanised tyres in 1875 and the invention of detachable pneumatic tyres in 1890, the forerunner of modern tyres. The company was also highly significant for producing high quality rubber boots for World War One and various rubber based products for combat in the Second World War. At its height, it was the largest industrial site in Edinburgh, occupying over 20 acres and employing over 3,000 people.

Interior Design

The interior design for the project was led by our in-house interiors team and focused on the development of the new reception/shop area as well as the café/bar. We carried out a detailed analysis of the client’s existing shop facility, reviewing and analysing the operational requirements of the existing reception and shop, whilst being mindful of the Edinburgh Printmaker’s aspirations moving forward.

Through looking at three identified visitor roles – exhibition visitor, shop visitor and commercial buyer – we mapped out flow diagrams for each scenario to help understand how EP operate and how the purchasing process for each visitor functions. Following on from this, we developed a bespoke interior solution incorporating print browsers, a curatable display wall, display shelving and a multi-functional reception desk/till point to create the high quality, shopping experience desired.