Our bold, light-filled design for this rear extension replaced a two-storey one that was both unsuitable for the owners and an architectural misstep. We created both a light-filled hub of the home, and a strong connection between the house and the garden.

After negotiating many planning constraints, the original, reinstated arched stair window has a new feature that honours its past – slim-lite double glazed panes, boldly colour matched to the original.

A wrap-around glazed circulation slot creates a powerful experience when moving between old and new, clearly distinguishing the two periods of time. Stone walls stripped of plaster reveal the history of the home, preserving the clarity of the original structure.

Built with energy-efficient pre-fabricated panels, this extension exceeded the thermal performance regulations of the time. The dove-grey zinc cladding echoes the lead and slate tones of the original house, and a Siberian Larch rear elevation washed in a light grey stain is tapered like a lens to draw the sunlight inwards, and the eye outward to the garden beyond. 

Not only capturing and attenuating rainwater, the sedum roof appears as an extension of the garden when viewed from the new arched window – creating a connection to the garden from above.

The re-use of existing building stock was promoted through refurbishment. Our thoughtful design cares for and protects Scotland’s heritage by refurbishing instead of replacing items such as the traditional sash windows and stair spindles. This ethos sits comfortably alongside the contemporary extension – designed as a solid, distinct form, separate from the original house. The whole life performance of the building was improved by carefully insulating where possible, and refining heating and ventilation strategies.