Sandstone extension with large glazing facing garden
Sandstone extension with large glazing to terrace with steps to garden

Brief

Our clients wanted to create a more connected and sociable family home by reconfiguring the ground floor of their Victorian villa in Edinburgh’s Grange Conservation Area. Their aspiration was for a generous open-plan living environment, bringing together family, kitchen and dining spaces while strengthening the relationship between the house and the large rear garden.

A key objective was for any additions to sit comfortably alongside the existing villa, respecting its character, proportions and materiality rather than creating a deliberate contrast. Maximising natural daylight, enhancing views to the garden and creating bright, welcoming interiors were also central aspirations for the project.

In addition, the brief called for improved day-to-day functionality through the provision of a utility room, shower room and study at ground floor level, together with the enhancement of the family bathroom on the first floor.

Sandstone extension with large glazing doors and terrace leading to garden
Sandstone extension with large glazing doors and terrace leading to garden

Proposals

The project commenced by removing a series of inefficient rooms and storage spaces at the rear of the property, opening up the house and strengthening its connection to the garden. This created the opportunity for a more coherent arrangement of living spaces and a clearer relationship between the interior and the landscape beyond.

A new single-storey extension was conceived as a natural continuation of the existing building, using reclaimed stone salvaged from the demolished sections of the house. This approach allowed the new accommodation to feel firmly rooted in its context while preserving the character and integrity of the original Victorian villa.

Generous sliding glass doors and full-height glazing create a strong visual and physical connection to the garden, while carefully positioned rooflights bring abundant natural daylight deep into the heart of the home. A new tiled terrace wraps around both sides of the extension, creating a series of distinct outdoor seating and entertaining areas while keeping the space directly in front of the glazing free from visual clutter. This ensures uninterrupted views of the garden from within the house and reinforces the sense of openness between inside and out. Four broad steps, aligned with and matching the full width of the sliding doors, provide a seamless transition from the terrace to the lawn beyond.

Living room with wood burning stove large glazing and frameless rooflight
Dining with glazing and frameless rooflight
Living room with stove and kitchen in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue with large island

The combination of reclaimed stone and contemporary glazing achieves a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. The extension sits comfortably alongside the original building, while refined detailing and slender metal-framed glazing introduce a subtle contemporary character.

The refurbishment also included the creation of a luxurious yet highly practical family bathroom. Finished with elegant limestone-effect tiles, a walnut vanity unit and black brassware, the space combines warmth, durability and timeless appeal. Bespoke mirrored cabinetry was carefully designed to provide ample concealed storage, ensuring the bathroom meets the demands of modern family life while maintaining a calm and refined aesthetic.

Family bathroom with limestone effect tiles, black brassware and bespoke mirror cabinet
Drawing room with black fireplace and burnt orange sofas
Living room with large sliding doors to the garden

Morningside, Edinburgh

A sensitive extension and internal reconfiguration that reimagines a Victorian villa for modern family life, enhancing natural light, functionality and connections to the landscape.

Project Team

Status

Completed

Morningside, Edinburgh

A sensitive extension and internal reconfiguration that reimagines a Victorian villa for modern family life, enhancing natural light, functionality and connections to the landscape.

Project Team

Status

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