Evolution House

It was constructed on a gap site, which had been used for many years as a car park by its previous owners, the Edinburgh College of Art. The site was difficult, both in its shape and level change, but architects Reiach and Hall came up with a radical, modern design, creating a superb contemporary landmark.The six storey building responds to the acute angle of the two streets with clever use of faceted walls and windows, whilst a series of glazed upper levels with stepped terraces make the most of the stunning views and soften the skyline into the neighbouring buildings on the West Port. The open plan internal spaces revolve around a beautifully detailed central service core, with travertine marble floor and wall tiles.

Originally designed as an office development, the flexibility inherent in the original design was recognised by the ECA, who bought the finished building as an annexe to their campus, creating a library, office space, design studios and exhibition space.