Women's Union, University Of Edinburgh, 16 Chambers Street, Edinburgh

The Women's Union at the University of Edinburgh, located at 16 Chambers Street, is a finely-detailed former school building designed by David Rhind between 1878 and 1879. This 3-storey and attic structure features a distinctive Renaissance style and occupies a prominent corner site. It is constructed of sandstone ashlar with moulded dressings, raised in-and-out quoins, and includes a base course, a deep-set string course between the ground and first floors, a cill course at the second floor, and a projecting dentiled cornice topped with a balustraded parapet and globe finials. The first floor showcases a central tripartite window adorned with a lion-head cornice detail, while a heavy, double-consoled doorpiece with a segmental pediment adds to its grandeur. The west elevation features twin corbelled rectangular oriel bays, and the roof is a French pavilion style with segmental-arched dormers.

Nos 9-15, designed by John Lessels in 1875, is a 3-storey and attic block with 10 bays that has been comprehensively refurbished following a fire. It features a simple segmental-arched treatment on the first and second floors, along with segmental-arched dormers. The ground floor has been updated in the 21st century with large fixed-pane windows.

The principal elevation predominantly displays 9-pane timber sash and case windows, while Nos 9-15 features casements. The roof is covered with grey slate, and cast-iron rainwater goods are present.

Inside No 16, there is a particularly ornate vaulted coffered plaster ceiling with a central glazed cupola. A central well stair rises to all floors, featuring a finely-turned timber balustrade and a moulded mahogany handrail.