Parkview, in the west end of Dundee, blends history with modern living. Originally built in 1893, it features a grand Scots Jacobean former industrial school, which has been restored into 29 residential units, along with 15 new flats nearby.

The north side of the school has been transformed, preserving stone laundry walls as the base for six new mews properties. A contemporary monolithic zinc structure matches the original slate roofs, and south-facing balconies offer privacy and inward views. The central courtyard has been landscaped, with a restored cast-iron canopy connecting old and new, providing sheltered walkways to all properties.

To the east, new flats and mews houses have been designed to match the school’s scale and architectural language, filling the gap created by the removal of the 1970s Duncan House School building. These new structures reflect the scale of the existing school and maintain the architectural theme established in the mews properties. The south-facing properties branch off from a central entrance close and all take full advantage of the dramatic views, while preserving the existing mature trees undisturbed.

Design

The former Category B school building, which had been neglected and suffered from issues like lead theft and vandalism, underwent a comprehensive renovation. The slate roof was completely removed to make way for a new waterproof membrane, with original slates salvaged where possible and reconditioned for the front facing elevations. A-rated gas boilers and whole-house extraction systems were discreetly integrated into concealed risers, minimizing external changes.

Rusted cast iron gutters and pipes were replaced with black-painted aluminium, and new double-glazed sash and case windows, made with locally sourced hardwood, improve performance while preserving the building’s aesthetics. External repairs included stone restoration and lime mortar repointing for longevity.

For the promotion of sustainable living, features like bike storage, clothes drying areas, and recycling bins were added. The gate lodge at the entrance also received a refurbishment and subtle extension, subtly echoing the overall aesthetic and interventions on the site.

Community

Since the project’s completion in July 2016, all properties have been sold on the private market and are currently inhabited by a diverse range of people. This includes students and young doctors employed at the nearby Ninewells Hospital, as well as retired couples and individuals seeking to downsize from larger family homes.

This diverse mix of residents has quickly fostered a strong sense of community. The shared courtyards and garden-like surroundings offer occasions for spontaneous meetings or planned gatherings. The feedback from these residents has been highly favourable, and we have documented the experiences of two of them in our post-occupancy review.