In pictures: Pend’s stylish Canon Mews uses courtyards to maximise a constrained urban site

Canon Mews has transformed an infill site in Edinburgh’s Canonmills into a pair of subtle, well thought out and desirable family homes.

Inspired in part by Tadao Ando’s seminal Row House in Osaka, the houses have been designed to maximise light, volume, and connection to the outdoors through private terraces and small courtyards – outdoor spaces that draw daylight, fresh air and the seasons deep into the plan.

This move makes the most of the relatively small plots and gives residents outdoor space that is more private and less overlooked than would typically be the case on such a constrained urban site.

Each house also has generous living, kitchen and dining areas, three double bedrooms, and an integrated garage. The project has been delivered as a joint venture with local high-end residential contractor Gloss Projects.

The homes use reclaimed brick found on site – a key detail being the reuse of a curved, bullnose brick at each entrance. Above rust red standing-seam zinc defines the upper storey and roofline. The garages and recessed entrance vestibules, meanwhile, are made of timber cladding – continuing a pattern of timber-clad garages on the quiet mews lane.

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Internally, in each property solid timber treads teamed with a bespoke metal balustrade form a sculptural stair leading to the open kitchen and dining spaces at first floor as well as a roof terrace.

Designed for energy efficiency, the homes are timber framed with solar PV and EV charging.

Jamie Anderson, Pent director, said, “Taking on the roles of both architect and developer enabled us to demonstrate our strong belief that architects are uniquely equipped to unlock constrained urban sites. From acquisition through to delivery and marketing, we approached each step with intent and an academic curiosity (often naivety) that allowed us to question convention in delivering new-build homes.

“With this scheme we hope to open a broader conversation about the potential of small urban sites, prioritising thoughtful densification, material quality and everyday domestic delight. It stands as our own study in how to develop bespoke housing solutions and signals a direction we’re excited to continue pursuing.”