Garden Extension
A brick extension to an Edinburgh home that connects the main gathering spaces with a well-loved garden
The Vision
A Series of Internal and External Rooms
Living in the garden was the central theme behind this extension project.
"One of the things we love most about our home is the quality of light and south facing walled garden to the rear. We wanted to create a better relationship between the garden and house, allowing us to enjoy both throughout the year."
The Design Proposal
A Reconfigured Internal Layout
The existing kitchen and dining spaces are reconfigured to take full advantage of the available light. A new window provides a view to a secluded courtyard and expands the modest scale of the existing interior. The kitchen is repositioned relative to a sunken terrace and its layout has been carefully considered to promote social interaction. These spaces are transformed through the introduction of light and enhanced visual and physical connections to the exterior.
A Room Set Within the Garden
The new extension provides a tranquil place to sit, relax and enjoy the southern aspect throughout the year. This space has an intimate relationship with the garden through its careful setting and integration with new landscape elements. This new space has a unique aspect to the courtyard and sunken terrace. The result is a composition of rooms that link both internally and externally; creating the much desired connection between the interior and exterior.
Material Composition
The facades depth and rhythm control solar gain and increase the visual comfort of the interior through reduced glare. Sun light animates the façade through an ever-changing play of light and brings life to the architecture.
Materials are carefully chosen in respect the original character of the house and complement the varied tones and textures of the pebbled render, brick boundary wall and sandstone.
Environmental Interaction
Phase 1
Internal Fit Out
The alteration and refurbishment of this 1920s house is divided into two phases. The first phase was completed in 2020 and focused on renovating the existing first floor bedrooms, home office and bathroom. The alterations include bespoke birch furniture that are carefully designed to make the most of the existing spaces and improve ergonomics. This concept was continued into the main family bathroom which has been completely refurbished to produce a practical and light filled space within a compact footprint.
