A historic garden library at Hawthornden Castle, located on the outskirts of Lasswade, Scotland, is set to undergo a major refurbishment and extension project. The ambitious renovation is being undertaken by the US-based charitable trust that manages the Midlothian estate, continuing the castle's legacy as a premier destination for writers from around the world.
The Hawthornden Foundation has commissioned Hamilton Hay Van Jonker architects to remove outdated 1970s elements from both a cottage and library situated within the A-listed castle grounds. These historic grounds have been home to a prestigious writers' retreat program that was originally established by the late philanthropist Drue Heinz, attracting authors and literary figures from across the globe.
The centerpiece of this latest construction program is an innovative modern hexagonal library tower, which will be enhanced with a new mezzanine level designed to significantly improve access to the extensive book collection. This striking architectural feature will complement the recently refurbished main castle building, creating a cohesive blend of historic charm and contemporary functionality.
The library complex is strategically positioned within an 18th-century walled garden and includes several key components that will be upgraded. A historic gardener's cottage will be fitted with new shelving systems and connected to a modern greenhouse facility. Additionally, the project will feature a timber-clad bedroom extension to the cottage, providing enhanced accommodation for visiting writers and trust members.
According to the architects' official statement, the building complex represents a collection of ad hoc extensions from various construction eras, including the cottage, shed, library tower, and greenhouses. While the oldest component, the garden wall, holds historical significance, it has undergone substantial alterations over the years and has been impacted by subsequent additions to the site.
The renovation project addresses several critical needs for the writer's retreat facility. The architects outlined that changes are essential to provide better accommodation for trust members visiting the castle, improve storage conditions for the world-class book collection that forms the library, enhance access to the books within the library, and improve the energy efficiency of both the building fabric and its operational systems.
The main castle renovation work was successfully completed in February, incorporating important infrastructure upgrades including renewable energy systems and comprehensive fire suppression systems. As part of the current project, the outdated 1970s additions will be completely replaced with a more architecturally sympathetic bedroom extension that better complements the historic character of the estate.
The new design will also include a custom stair and balcony system that will dramatically improve access to the library's upper level, making the collection more accessible to visiting scholars and writers. This enhancement reflects the foundation's commitment to maintaining Hawthornden Castle's reputation as one of the world's premier literary retreats while ensuring the facility meets modern standards for accessibility and comfort.
