case studies

eildon group weaving shed project

Eildon Housing Association is one of LEWIS’ longest standing clients, having worked together on projects since commissioning the branding and their first annual report in 1990. The Eildon Group has now grown in stature to be recognised as one of the most progressive and respected associations in Scotland and they provide a comprehensive range of housing and care services to tenants across the Borders.

the brief

In 2007, Eildon instigated plans to consolidate its different offices into one central location in Selkirk. Eildon commissioned award-winning Edinburgh architects Gray, Marshall & Associates to create plans for the conversion and refurbishment of the Weaving Shed - an old mill adjacent to the Ettrick River. At an early stage, LEWIS were enlisted to be part of the design team to look at how the building would function and ‘communicate' graphically with visitors and staff. LEWIS was involved with every visual element both inside and outside the mill and had to assess how visitors and staff would interact with the working environment.

our idea

The history of the Weaving Shed is rooted in the Victorian era when the textile industry was a major employer in the Borders. Spinning, weaving and knitwear is still part of the cultural heritage of the area even though the industry has long past its 20^th Century peak. What does remain is a strong sense of identity with the industry and its people. It was this ‘cultural essence' that became central to the design process and realising this as part of the visual story of the mill graphics. However, it was important to recognise that this is very much  a 21^st Century organisation and one that needs to function with a contemporary, professional and confident personality.

Researching the Mill's history helped LEWIS track down the original plans for the building and the Clapperton Trust provided a valuable photographic resource to help us understand the culture of the industry and its history. The fabrics, the technology and the local environment of the weaving process became a central theme to all our designs.

the outcome

The original 1870 plans for the building provided the inspiration for the branding with the Victorian copperplate script translated throughout the Weaving Shed's new identity. Entrance signs, parking signs, exterior panels, reception displays, canvases in meeting rooms, wayfinding and area signs - in fact everything including the door and toilet signs had to be aligned to the design philosophy. LEWIS worked closely with the signage contractor to develop special engraving techniques on aluminium substrate to create a range of ‘fabric' textures with each panel taking over 14 hours to engrave. However, the time and design investment was worth it.  The full installation was carried out over a four week period creating a totally bespoke installation. Eildon's new Weaving Shed offices is now open for business and is an outstanding example of how the client, the architect and design agency can work together to bring a contemporary and relevant voice back to a magnificent old building.