New-build family home · Melrose, Scottish BordersTraditional family home in Melrose.

The architectural design takes inspiration from the traditional residential buildings found throughout Melrose and the wider Scottish Borders.

A steeply pitched roof, prominent gabled features and a carefully balanced arrangement of windows establish a familiar architectural character, allowing the house to sit comfortably within its established surroundings.

The one-and-a-half-storey form provides generous accommodation while maintaining the proportions and appearance associated with traditional Scottish homes.

Subtle contemporary detailing ensures the building feels fresh and considered, creating a new-build home that respects its setting without simply reproducing the past.

The exterior is defined by a restrained palette of light-coloured render, dark roof coverings and carefully proportioned windows.

Traditional gabled roof forms introduce depth and character to the elevations, while the balanced composition creates a distinctive yet understated appearance.

Generous ground-floor glazing introduces a more contemporary element, allowing natural light to enter the main living spaces without compromising the traditional character of the house.

Together, these elements create a cohesive architectural design that feels appropriate to its historic Melrose setting while offering the qualities expected of a modern family home.

Behind the traditional exterior, the home offers a bright and welcoming interior designed around the needs of modern family life.

The layout combines contemporary open-plan living with more defined spaces for relaxation, creating a comfortable balance between everyday family activities and quieter moments.

Light finishes and natural timber detailing introduce warmth and simplicity, while the generous proportions of the principal rooms create an open and inviting atmosphere.

A timber staircase provides a natural focal point within the interior, connecting the different levels of the home while reinforcing its traditional character through carefully considered craftsmanship.

The result is an interior that feels contemporary and practical without losing the warmth and familiarity of a traditional family home.

A strong relationship between the internal living spaces and the garden was an important consideration in the design.

Generous windows bring daylight into the principal rooms, with a projecting bay window creating a particularly bright and welcoming living space.

The arrangement of glazing allows the home to enjoy views towards the surrounding garden, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

This emphasis on daylight and outlook gives the interior a sense of openness that complements the more traditional architectural language of the exterior.

Design visuals let the clients see the house in its setting long before work began, helping them make decisions with confidence.

Set side by side, the visuals and the finished house are remarkably close, from the proportions of the gables and dormers to the materials and the way the house sits in its garden.

The completed home demonstrates how traditional Scottish residential architecture can be reinterpreted to meet the expectations of contemporary family living.

Its pitched roof forms, prominent gables and restrained material palette establish a strong relationship with the architectural character of Melrose, while the bright interiors and modern layout provide a comfortable and practical environment for everyday life.

The project reflects ED Design’s approach to bespoke residential design: creating individual homes that respond to their surroundings while remaining firmly focused on the needs of the people who live in them.