The Mont, Edinburgh
Formally the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, the Mont has now been transformed into a modern mixed use residential site.
In 2017, Downing embarked on a mission to repurpose the former site of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, aiming to preserve its historical essence while introducing contemporary functionalities.
Collaborating with renowned architects Fletcher Joseph Associates, Downing’s vision materialised into The Mont, a mixed-use development catering to student accommodation, private residences, and affordable housing units.
As part of the project, we were asked to manufacture, bespoke timber street furniture that would adorn the terraced public realm, designed by Optimised Environments.
With the granite retaining walls and cut outs already manufactured the challenge lay in creating custom timber benches that could seamlessly integrate into the terraced landscape. With varying angles, sizes and little to no tolerance, our design work and to be spot on. The inclusion of angled benches and large platforms at the ends of each granite set posed engineering challenges. Achieving a seamless transition between different bench orientations demanded innovative design solutions and skilled craftsmanship.
The installation of bespoke timber street furniture has helped to enhanced the public realm of The Mont, adding to the urban experience for residents and visitors alike. The seamless integration of the benches with the terraced landscape has created inviting spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and community engagement. Despite the technical and time constraints, the collaborative efforts of all involved has resulted in street furniture that not only meets functional needs but also contributes to the aesthetic charm of this new development This is great example of how we can tailor bespoke street furniture to the specific site needs
