New Town Studio Apartment by Programm Works

Programm Works has transformed a compact 35-square-metre Georgian apartment in Edinburgh's New Town into a multi-functional living space that prioritizes comfort and sustainability.

Located in a historic Georgian building, the New Town Studio Apartment project focused on creating a space that prioritizes comfort while respecting the building's architectural heritage. The brief called for a carefully controlled environment with optimal temperature regulation and acoustic insulation. "The history and character of the building, along with the rhythm of city living, were central to our approach in redesigning this studio apartment," explained project architect Bethan. "Our goal was to enhance livability through thoughtful material choices, precise detailing, and high-performance specifications."

The design retains traditional Georgian proportions while incorporating flexible spatial arrangements that allow the apartment to transition seamlessly between different functions throughout the day. The studio can adapt to serve as a relaxation space, work environment, or entertainment area for hosting guests.

The interior features a carefully curated material palette including clay plaster and paint, traditional Tadelakt finishes, marble surfaces, and soft linen textiles, all working in harmony with custom aluminium elements. These materials were selected to enhance the apartment's thermal and acoustic properties while respecting the building's Georgian heritage.

In an innovative approach to construction waste, the studio repurposed surplus aluminium from the apartment's custom shelving to create the ALU Series—a collection of furniture pieces including a chair, side table, and incense holder. The aluminium chair, composed of just three interlocking pieces, features sharp lines and an angled back, suitable for various uses from dining to reading.

"Instead of accepting building waste as a standard by-product," says Creative Director Liz, "we challenged ourselves to think beyond the primary role of renovation, designing and manufacturing a collection of objects that would utilise all remaining corners of redundant aluminium sheet material."

The furniture pieces are hand-sanded to achieve a soft, reflective finish and sealed with beeswax. The design embraces the natural aging process of aluminium, allowing the furniture to develop a patina that reflects its use over time.

This project marks the debut of Programm Works, a UK-based practice led by Bethan Nelson and Elizabeth Young. The studio focuses on creating spaces that resonate economically, environmentally, and culturally, bridging the gap between spatial design, economic strategy, and brand vision.