We transformed the historic Norloch House, built in 1893 and overlooking Edinburgh Castle, into an inspiring workplace for Whitespace, an award-winning digital design agency.

Created to support the company’s growth from 50 to 120 people, the office provides a distinctive environment centred on creativity, collaboration and wellbeing.

Sustainable design was integral to the project. Wherever practicable, materials were sourced locally or reclaimed, including scaffold-board cladding left over from the Edinburgh Tram works and stainless-steel roof cladding rescued from demolition. Retaining the historic building fabric and reusing materials helped minimise waste, conserve resources and reduce embodied carbon, supporting the project’s wider ESG objectives.

The interior was stripped back to reveal its original structure, balanced with contemporary finishes and playful “quirk spaces”. Collaborative areas sit alongside quiet retreats, giving employees the flexibility to focus, connect and work in the way that suits them best.

The result is a 21st-century “think factory” that reflects Whitespace’s identity and supports wellbeing, motivation and productivity. The project went on to win a national British Council for Offices (BCO) Award.