Submitted as part of the Scottish Community Competitions sketch design initiative for the renovation of a portion of the Portobello Promenade northeast of Edinburgh, this proposal sought to integrate a community cafe and garden with the existing public toilets while also creating an ancillary storage space for small canoes and boats.

A major consideration with the design was to make a space which was permeable and open for anyone walking the promenade to naturally flow into - making it feel welcoming and accessible, while also protecting it from any wind and cold weather which could come in from the sea. The ‘wedge wall’ used to accomplish had the dual purpose of defining the site, and connecting both the community cafe and boat store.

Clear delineation in roof form and materiality served to define both spaces, and mark them as landmarks to be added to the eclectic silhouette of Portobello.

2025 Shortlisted, Community Competitions