This 19th Century lighthouse at Granton, on Edinburgh’s waterfront, was once a place to teach lighthouse keepers their trade and to experiment the new illumination technologies of the time. The harbour has since been reclaimed and the lighthouse is now adrift — completely landlocked and its main function no longer needed.

The City of Edinburgh Council engaged 7N Architects to explore solutions to secure a sustainable future for this unique historic building. Complementing surrounding regeneration projects, the aim is to transform the lighthouse into a beacon for the expanding north Edinburgh communities.

Working in collaboration with Max Fordham and Simpson & Brown, 7N Architects have developed a comprehensive strategy to upgrade the listed building, including improving thermal performance to achieve net zero in operation and carefully restoring and celebrating its historic features. This builds on previous initiatives for the building to help it find a sustainable path for the future.