Richard is the creative genius behind The Crescent in Edinburgh's west end, winner of the UK's Best Luxury Development at the most recent WhatHouse? Awards, and widely regarded as Scotland's most upmarket and ambitious new development.
In the video below, Richard answers questions put to him about the design of The Crescent. Richard is the architect who worked across the design of all of our homes within The Crescent, as well as the existing Playfair building The Crescent enjoys uninterrupted views of - previously the home to the Donaldson’s School for the Deaf.
Within the interview with Richard, you’ll hear him refer to The Donaldson’s project and ‘the building’ and at these times he is referencing the project as a whole and The Playfair building respectively.
THE CRESCENT AT DONALDSON’S, EDINBURGH
Located in Edinburgh’s Haymarket area, The Crescent is an 84-home sweeping arc of glass-fronted apartments and is situated in the tranquil grounds of Edinburgh’s grand Donaldson’s estate, within the city’s celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the flagship development for Cala Homes (East), The Crescent’s forensically-considered design draws direct inspiration from the Scottish capital's iconic nearby Georgian New Town architecture.
The Crescent is heavily shaped by these Georgian influences, as well as its location on the grounds of Edinburgh’s renowned Donaldson's Estate opposite the city’s iconic Playfair building. It contrasts, respects and embraces the original school building, which was famously described by Queen Victoria as being more palatial than her own homes.
The Crescent's dynamic interlocking storey structure means that all apartments are afforded a vast double-height living space to the front which ensures spectacular views. This uniqueness of its design was integral to The Crescent securing 12 industry award wins, becoming the most award-winning Cala project in history.
It also boasts the most comprehensive provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Scotland, where each apartment has access to a charging point and parking space in the private underground car park, accessible by life access.
Its tranquil setting among the largest communal garden in Edinburgh at an impressive 18 acres makes The Crescent a true sanctuary, with a bustling city on its doorstep.
Founder of Edinburgh-based Richard Murphy Architects, Richard has won 20 RIBA Awards and was appointed an OBE in 2007 for services to architecture. Further leading projects he has designed include the Fruitmarket Gallery and Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh, and Dundee Contemporary Art Gallery.
Richard has undertaken commissions throughout the UK and abroad, and has recently designed the proposed Filmhouse at Edinburgh's Festival Square.
For more information on The Crescent, please click here.
