Renovation & extension · Inverleith, EdinburghContemporary ground and garden flat renovation in Inverleith.

The architectural approach centres on creating a clear distinction between the traditional Edinburgh property and its contemporary garden extension.

Rather than attempting to replicate the architecture of the existing building, the new addition introduces clean horizontal lines, understated detailing and expansive glazing.

The extension sits against the substantial stone elevations of the original property, establishing a considered contrast between the permanence of traditional masonry and the transparency of contemporary glass.

This relationship between old and new gives the project a distinctive architectural identity while allowing the character of the existing building to remain an important part of the design.

The renovation provided an opportunity to reconsider how the existing accommodation could better support the needs of a modern family.

The redesigned home provides four bedrooms alongside a separate family snug, offering a balance between private accommodation, quieter spaces and shared family living.

At the rear of the property, the contemporary extension introduces a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, creating a central space where the family can cook, relax, entertain and spend time together.

The arrangement brings together the practicality of a traditional family home with the openness and flexibility of contemporary residential design.

The contemporary rear extension forms the centrepiece of the project, transforming the relationship between the existing property and its private garden.

A generous open-plan kitchen is arranged around a substantial central island, creating a natural focal point for everyday family life and entertaining.

The living area incorporates a change in floor level, creating a distinctive sunken seating space that helps define different activities within the open-plan interior without the need for dividing walls.

Clean architectural lines, carefully considered lighting and a restrained material palette create a contemporary environment that feels open, comfortable and welcoming.

Together, these elements establish a new heart for the home, bringing a sense of space and architectural character to the renovated property.

Creating a stronger relationship with the private rear garden was a fundamental part of the design brief.

Large sliding glass doors extend across the rear elevation, opening the principal living spaces towards the garden and allowing natural light to fill the interior.

Generous rooflights introduce additional daylight from above, helping illuminate the deeper areas of the open-plan space.

The extension opens directly onto a contemporary garden terrace, creating a natural transition between the interior and outdoor entertaining areas.

The combination of glazing, rooflights and direct garden access transforms the way the home connects with its surroundings, allowing the garden to become an extension of everyday family living.

The material palette reinforces the architectural relationship between the original Edinburgh property and the contemporary addition.

Existing stonework provides texture, warmth and a connection to the building’s history, while the new extension introduces large glazed openings, dark window frames and clean modern detailing.

Internally, contemporary kitchen finishes, natural timber flooring and carefully selected materials create a balanced and understated living environment.

The contrast between traditional masonry and contemporary interior finishes allows the character of the original property to remain visible while establishing a distinctly modern identity for the new spaces.

The completed design transforms a dated ground and garden flat into a spacious contemporary family home that retains a strong connection to its traditional Edinburgh setting.

Four bedrooms, a separate snug and a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area provide flexible accommodation for modern family life.

The contemporary garden extension introduces natural light, architectural interest and a seamless connection to the private rear garden, creating a distinctive space for everyday living and entertaining.

The project demonstrates how a carefully considered house renovation and extension can unlock the potential of an existing property, combining traditional architectural character with the comfort and openness of contemporary design.