Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first Virgin Hotel to open outside of the USA has been designed by Glasgow-based architecture and interior design studio Ica.

In an area of the capital renowned for its varied topography, picturesque medieval streets, closes and wynds, and diverse architectural character, Ica’s challenge was to combine the restoration of three distinctly separate ‘at risk’ listed buildings – which occupy dramatically different levels within the cityscape – with newbuild elements to re-establish the historic form of the site while showcasing bold, contemporary Edinburgh.

Ica’s design allows for the three structures to be linked both to each other and to the newbuild part of the hotel with sympathetic yet modern interventions, creating a new flow through the complex site and deliberately framing views over the bustling local streets and towards Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town roofscape. The studio’s scheme also provides for dramatic public spaces, rooftop gardens and cosy guestrooms, generating a contrast between old and new, light and dark, traditional and contemporary.

An archaeological excavation of the site unveiled significant historical artefacts – including siege weapons that have re-written the city’s history. City Archeologists dated some of the finds to the 10th century, and a portion of the original city walls was uncovered. The project was extensively de-risked through exploration of the existing building fabric, excavation of the gap site and refinement of the design. Prior to and throughout construction, Ica provided design team leadership, conversational advice, and design and construction information, building on an already close relationship with specialist fit-out contractor Thomas Johnstone.

With the hotel situated in historic area, an intricate design solution for the facade was embraced, creating layers and depth. Working with the existing topography and Planning and Historic Environment Scotland guidance, Ica produced a bold yet sympathetic design that allow blends in with the vernacular. Sandstone was used to create harmony with neighbouring structures, while modern detailing is shown in glimpses via the stonework, gables, windows and rooflines. Balconies are partially hidden and wrapped in glazing with a printed sandstone image, enabling light into the rooms while presenting a stone outer skin to the street.

“We worked closely with Ica to take a very challenging gap site and create a striking and playful destination with multiple spaces for guests,” say Luigi Gatti Bonati and Mark Valentine of real estate investors Flemyn.

Collaborating with the Virgin team for the interiors, Ica brought the brand’s cheeky concepts to life, designing for Edinburgh’s past and future using both the listed and newbuild elements of the building. The existing grandeur of the exterior is reflected inside to enhance features of the structure while anchoring everything in the signature Virgin experience. Original details were also retained – a domed glass rotunda with authentic decorative cornicing captures the eye as guests arrive in the atrium, there’s a modern take on a classic library, and timber panelling has been preserved within the ground floor public bars and restaurants.

In combining old with new, contemporary design elements were sprinkled throughout, from a glass-panelled corridor leading to the reception area, to a ‘Scarlet Lounge’ sitting within a traditional corniced room, and exposed stone in the Commons Club restaurant fused with eclectic lighting and a collection of bold artworks.

Teddy Mayer, Vice President and Creative Director at Virgin Hotels, comments: “Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is our first property outside the US, so it had to be special. We’re thrilled with the design that Ica has delivered. The city’s character and our signature brand are strikingly reflected in both the interiors and exteriors.”

222 luxury Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites are combined with a variety of bars, restaurants and private dining spaces at street level, enlivening both Victoria Street and Cowgate, and opening onto re-established closes, a semi-public external courtyard and a new rooftop garden sanctuary with views of Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard. The Chambers themselves blend neutral tones and pops of Virgin’s signature red.

The brand’s flagship Commons Club, a show kitchen, and Funny Library all opened as part of the first phase launch. The second phase will see the unveiling of Greyfriars Hall – a 19th century church repurposed as an events venue, Eve – an all-day dining and late-night entertainment space at Cowgate, and a roof terrace.