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Originally designed by John McLachlan in the late 1800s and situated in the Grange Conservation area, this C Listed Victorian villa showcases impressive scale and proportions. The property boasts a stunning rear garden, a coveted feature given its city centre location. However, despite these appealing attributes, there was a noticeable lack of connection between the house and the garden, making them feel distinctly separate.

The primary objective of the project was to establish a connection, achieved through the addition of a new extension. This extension, housing an open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area, not only provided optimal privacy but also forged a visual and physical link to the expansive garden.

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A significant improvement was the introduction of double doors off the main hallway, creating a vista as you entered the property with a 'new picture window' beyond inviting you into the home when the doors were opened but also with the ability to be closed off when required for privacy. The relocation of the existing kitchen into the open-plan space allowed for the creation of a new bathroom and gym, improving the overall layout of the property. The integration of the extension with the garden involved a new stepped landscaping design, incorporating planting and seating, seamlessly blending into the existing stepped garden surroundings.

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Materials played a crucial role, with copper cladding that alters it’s finish with the weather, framing a 'cut out' in the existing masonry. The sharp, clean lines of this design aimed to strike a balance between contemporary and traditional elements. The use of ashlar stone, as per planning approval, harmonized with the existing stone masonry. The extensive glazing and proportions matched the existing rear bay window, complemented by a rooflight that seamlessly connected to the existing masonry wall, flooding the dining space beyond with abundant natural light. The overall design achieved a harmonious blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.