10 Regent Terrace Mews, Edinburgh

Eight years after the commission for the conversion of 17 Royal Terrace Mews the same client returned with an almost identical project on the opposite side of the street. Although this time not derelict, the existing building was in a poor state of repair, so virtual complete demolition could again be contemplated.

The street facade plays similar games of layering, although the initial proposal of a screen of glass blocks was modified after the Planning Department's insistence on a substantial panel of stone at first floor level. Views out through horizontal slot windows are controlled and limited to the street and up to the sky to avoid privacy infringements with houses across the lane.

Richard Murphy moved into number 17 in 1996 and the experience has led to variations on the inside at number 10. This time the kitchen/ dining area is placed above the bedroom and the ridge-light has been substituted with a south-facing rooflight complete with pivoting timber shutter for night-time use. The multi-level section remains along with many unexpected connections between the spaces.

Number 10 was completed in September 2003 and has subsequently been purchased by Richard Murphy.