This significant extension to a large Victorian house in West Edinburgh sought to address the negative impact of a little used drying courtyard to the rear of the property.

The floor plan itself is very simple, but is constrained on all sides by the existing house and outbuildings. A Threshold-Study space enables rear access into the property and connects the existing kitchen to a new Living/ Dining room. Internally, the existing outer stone wall is exposed along the length of the extension, which opens into the large double-pitched volume of the main Living area.

The sectional relationship of the extension to it’s existing context is determined by the requirement to provide light and also prevent overlooking from the neighbouring golf club. A zinc lined hidden gutter, abutting the existing building allows an intimate timber lined recess to be formed internally, contrasting with the light that floods in from the continuous opening roof light along the south side of the pitch.

Internally, careful detailing of the finishes, expresses the contrast between the warmth of the timber and simplicity of the plastered walls.

The lighting has been designed to highlight the expression of certain materials; cold cathode lights emphasise the planar element of the sloping ceiling while pendant lighting over the joinery unit create an atmosphere of intimacy.

The creation of extensive vertical glazing and large roof light without compromising overlooking, allow elements of the existing house such as the slate roof and sandstone outbuildings to become contextually richer by providing a light filled space from which to observe them unhindered.