Portrait at National Galleries - Scotland

The National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh, a grand, neo-gothic listed building, offers visitors a journey through the country’s past and present with a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and film. The cafe, managed by Heritage Portfolio is a popular destination for visitors, set in a light and spacious area.

Space Solutions led the design and refurbishment of the café, to modernise the space while preserving the historic character of the building. The aim was also to create an improved user experience in a multi-purpose space that could easily host casual day-time visitors, serve as a destination for small groups and meetings, and transform at night to host larger gatherings and events.

The open-plan café had ongoing noise issues that needed to be addressed, requiring innovative solutions to control sound without compromising aesthetic. As a listed building, securing a ceiling solution directly to the soffit was not permitted. The challenge was to create a modern, visually appealing environment that harmonised with the building’s heritage while enhancing acoustic performance.

Solution

Space Solutions designed three art installations in the existing lighting tracks that could also function as acoustic rafts. Featuring multi-coloured panels at different angles, these rafts not only address acoustic challenges but also complement the Gothic architecture.

The acoustic rafts were made up of three Zentia Sonify Tilt canopy rafts, delivering on both aesthetic and functional requirements. The Sonify rafts are rated Class A in sound absorption and were chosen for their ability to control reverberation and noise levels in the café’s open-plan layout. The rafts were specified in a mixture of YE3 (pale yellow), RE5 (soft red), and WH1 (white).

To comply with the building’s listed status, a primary Unistrut structure was used to suspend the grid system sufficiently, ensuring that no alterations were made to the soffit.

The installation, carried out by 2T Joiners Ltd, was completed in January 2025. The Sonify Tilt canopy rafts have improved the acoustic quality of the space while maintaining the design’s artistic integrity. The rafts provide better sound management, ensuring a more pleasant experience for the café’s customers.

This project exemplifies how thoughtful design and modern solutions can transform a historic space without compromising its original charm.