Innovative Design Resonates with Historic Charm in Edinburgh’s Georgian Townhouse
Scottish architecture studio Pend has ingeniously expanded a Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh‘s rustic Newhaven Conservation Area. With its striking skinny red brick extension, the design harmoniously complements the existing pale stone exterior, improving the home’s connection to its garden. This transformation makes the dwelling part of a seamless blend of traditional and modern design.
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Previously burdened by a compartmentalized layout and a neglected conservatory, the home has been reimagined with a new single-storey extension. This addition includes a secondary entrance, directly opening into a vibrant living area that seamlessly flows into the dining space and central kitchen, further enhancing the historic residence experience.
Optimizing Edinburgh’s Georgian Townhouse
The challenge lay in the townhouse’s elevated entrance, positioned above the kitchen due to the site’s topography. “Visitors once navigated through a series of more private rooms before reaching the main living spaces,” explains project architect Joanna Hobbs. The innovative design introduces a secondary entrance at the rear, creating a direct route to the kitchen while maintaining the private nature of the original entrance. “We expanded existing openings to invite more light into the core of the house and create extended sight-lines toward the garden,” Hobbs adds, reflecting the unique characteristics of the property.
Echoes of the Past in Modern Design
Inspired by the home’s existing curved masonry walls, the extension features these lines through its red brick façade, while infills of brickwork echo the property’s historic repairs. Inside, architectural detailing reflects the residence’s heritage—a circular skylight, a curved timber portal between living and dining spaces, and elegantly curved shelves, each an homage to the timeless allure of this period home.
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“The original stone wall, constructed in robust sandstone over three feet thick, is a cornerstone of the home’s distinct geometry,” Hobbs notes. This framework became pivotal in influencing the series of curved elements within the new design, enriching both the building and the surrounding landscape, an integral part of its charm.
Functional and Aesthetic Enhancements
Adjacent to the new entrance is a cozy study. Overlooking the garden, this quiet retreat preserves serenity amidst the bustling social areas. Meanwhile, the garden itself is redefined by a winding path that segments it into an informal lawn and a paved terrace, complete with a curving brick-trimmed bed, offering a picturesque view typical of such classic residences.
Launched by Jamie Anderson in 2021, Pend Studio, based in Leith, Edinburgh, specializes in residential projects that blend imaginative innovation with historical sympathy. The studio’s previous works include extending a Georgian farmhouse in East Lothian with fluted pink-toned stone and transforming an infill site into charming mews homes in Edinburgh.
Photography for the project was by Shaun Barton.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is the architect behind the townhouse extension?
The architect behind the townhouse extension is Scottish architecture studio Pend.
What design elements does the red brick extension feature?
The red brick extension features lines inspired by the home’s existing curved masonry walls and infills of brickwork that echo the property’s historic repairs.
How does the extension improve the home’s connection to its garden?
The extension introduces a cozy study overlooking the garden and a winding path that segments the garden into an informal lawn and a paved terrace, enhancing the view and connection with the outdoor space.