Could a building whisper secrets of transformation? Waverley House in Edinburgh can. Originally the General Post Office, this grand structure, built in 1861, held the pulse of communication. Imagine the hustle and bustle of people sending letters and parcels, connecting with loved ones near and far. Waverley House, with its Italian Renaissance facade, witnessed the city’s evolution. Then, a dramatic change. Between 2002 and 2005, Waverley House underwent a rebirth. While the historic facade remained, the interior transformed into a modern office complex. Eight floors of open-plan spaces emerged, replacing the old post office halls. Roof gardens now offer panoramic city views, a stark contrast to the former bustling interior. The architects sought to recapture some of that original energy. The new design frames the original stone portico with timber, creating a visual link between the historic exterior and the contemporary interior. The atrium floor now boasts a bespoke postage stamp tile pattern, a nod to Waverley House’s past. Coffered ceilings and wall paneling in the entrance hall further echo the building’s history. So, Waverley House stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s ever-changing nature, whispering tales of its past while embracing the future.
Duke Street United Reformed Church
Hidden within the bustling streets of Leith, Duke Street United Reformed Church has witnessed over 150 years of Edinburgh’s history.