The Colours of Linlithgow Part 1 Project 2004 James Whitaker University of Edinburgh Edinburgh | UK Situated on the edge of the Union Canal, looking north to the Trossach mountains, Linlithgow Palace, and the Almond Valley this project explored the possibility of a small community of sustainable live/work-units within the context of the Scottish central belt, and a town that is essentially a commuting settlement serving Edinburgh and Glasgow.Taking their orientation from the surrounding views, the live-units float above the land, stretching north to absorb the kaleidoscope of colours.The work-units nestle beneath, defined by dry-stone walls that sweep across the site, following the contours of the land. James Whitaker James' project developed from an ambition to design a sustainable community close to the Forth/Clyde canal which has recently re-opened. He was wary of adopting a 'soft' timber aesthetic which may be a more conventional approach to such a brief and instead adopted a linear form which would sit above, and link into, undercroft buildings following the contours of the site.The division between live and work was made as a vertical connection with work units developed only where and when required by the owners.The design work was supported by a written analysis of the building sequence and thermal performance.