Russell Place, Edinburgh

Project summary

The new extension to this existing listed Victorian semi-detached villa in a conservation area in north Edinburgh replaces an existing small sun room and incorporates an existing double garage, to provide a new south facing dining/family room, guest suite and utility room.  The existing kitchen has been comprehensively remodelled and opened up to form a continuous space with the new dining/family room.  The existing cloakroom has been reconfigured.

Designed to complement the traditional stone villa, the extension was conceived as a series of glazed timber screens under a canopy roof supported on a lightweight steel structure, set between the villa and the solid timber ‘box’ of the existing garage.  The latter was stripped back and clad in matching cedar to incorporate it into the composition.

The roof of the new extension pitches up to all high level glazing to bring in extra daylight that is in turn reflected in mirrors designed to make the interior space appear continuous and the internal partitions appear to ‘float’ below the roof.

Large sliding doors allow the new rooms to open directly to the canopied deck and sunny courtyard outside.  Electronic controls enable special lighting effects to the interior and the courtyard.