Ross Road
Private Residential
Internal reconfiguration and extension to a 1930’s villa in Craigmillar Park Conservation Area, Edinburgh
“With regards to feedback, overall we have been pleased with the end result from a design perspective and use of space. The extension has given us everything we asked for and gives us the connection to the garden that we wanted. We chose Taller Smaller as Gavin had come specifically recommended. We learnt a lot about a project, particularly about site visits and project management and would urge other people doing a large project to have the architects on site much more often.
We would be happy to recommend Taller Smaller to others particularly for use of light, space and sustainability.”
Stuart Banks, Client
The alterations and extension replaces the dated, poorly constructed and thermally inefficient 80’s ground floor extension. Re-planning of the ground floor creates a better flow to the principle spaces, from the front entrance, which now offers views through the house, to the mature garden beyond.
By detaching the house from it’s neighbour, the villa becomes it’s own building again, with the new lane down the side of the house providing direct external access from the utility space.
The extension takes three forms; the ground floor which provides a base for the first floor, while providing a visual transition between the original villa and the contemporary extension; the first floor bedroom, which sits back from the front elevation but extends beyond the line of the first floor rear bedroom (creating the glimpse to the rear garden); and the first floor rear bedroom, which overhangs the ground floor.
The first floor extension provides two large double rooms, with fitted wardrobe space, both with south facing windows to the rear garden. The front bedroom, while north facing, benefits from it’s double aspect arrangement. The rear bedroom cantilevers over the ground floor, providing shading to the glazed living space below.
The ground floor comprises of a large open kitchen diner which opens up to the extensive south facing garden.
Internal glazing brings light into the previously dark hallway to the front of the house.
The extension celebrates the original villa, it’s prominence and proportions. Set backs and overhangs on the first floor reference the bay window to the front and reduce the overall mass of the extension.
Materials and textures are sympathetic to the original house, picking up on tile details at eaves and window sills. Material palette includes render and brick, with open boarded vertical timber cladding.
Contractor Barleycorn Joinery Ltd
Structural Engineer SF Structures Scotland
External Cladding Russwood
External Windows & Doors Viking
Internal Insulation Steico