Project Overview
A young family in Edinburgh needed more space in their semi-detached home. The solution was a single-storey side extension that provided an extra room and a ground-floor shower. The triangular plot and planning regulations shaped the design into a modern, symmetrical form that integrates naturally with the existing house.
Design Story
The pitched roof was central to the design, making use of thousands of reclaimed clay tiles the family had collected. The architect balanced site constraints, planning guidance, and available materials to create a structure that was both practical and visually coherent. Insulation was specified to a high standard, ensuring long-term comfort and efficiency.
Family Journey
To keep costs low, the family chose to build the extension themselves. They gathered reclaimed materials across Edinburgh, including bricks, paving slabs, concrete blocks, and stone. Foundations and drainage were dug by hand, and construction paused over winter as they welcomed a new baby. Work resumed in spring with the timber frame and roof completed, followed by brickwork, which proved the most demanding stage.
Outcome
The extension demonstrates how resourcefulness and careful planning can deliver a sustainable, modern living space on a very limited budget. It provides the family with the flexibility they needed while meeting building standards and blending seamlessly with the existing home.
The Architect’s Role
The architect’s guidance was vital throughout. From securing permissions to shaping design decisions, professional expertise ensured the project achieved its aims. By turning constraints into opportunities, the architect helped the family realise a high-quality extension built largely from reclaimed materials, proving that thoughtful design can make even the most challenging self-build a success.
