Minimalist Extension to End Terrace House, 21 Wardie Crescent, Edinburgh

The new extension is modern but also respects the materials and proportions of the street

The sand blasted glass lets in light without compromising privacy

The rear open up onto a private garden

The cantilevered roof offer shade and shelter

April 2018.

This 1930’s house was in need of modernisation when it was sold. Having been recommended by a previous client, Capital A were commissioned by the new owners to redesign the house. They liked the neighbourhood, having lived on the same street but they needed more space. This end-terrace had the benefit of a driveway at the side which could accommodate an extension.

The client wanted an extra bedroom as well as living space separate from the kitchen / dining room. We discussed the possibility of creating a new entrance in the extension but rejected this, as the driveway was needed for car parking off the busy street.

The existing house was fully refurbished, with new electrics, plumbing, flooring and decoration throughout. The internal walls on the upper floor were take down and rebuilt as a safety precaution.

The extension houses the new kitchen and dining space and is designed to maximise daylight while preserving privacy. The front of the house faces North and is overlooked by tall buildings opposite. Capital A designed a bespoke, steel frame window with satin glass for the kitchen. This defuses natural light while maximising privacy. Viewed externally, the glass sits flush with the white render and matches its colour. The extension is large but this minimal approach lets it blend into the background.

It’s a different story at the rear. The new bi-fold doors open up onto a sheltered deck, with the roof cantilevering overhead and the boundary wall extending beyond the building line. This intermediate zone allows the client to be outside on days when the weather is less than perfect. It also adds a sense of privacy in a built up neighbourhood.

The new extension has become the heart of the home, centre of family life and the client is very happy with it.

This project was awarded BUILD Magazine’s Best Minimalist Residential Extension 2018.

Construction Costs

The project cost £130,000 + VAT.

The internal alterations to the existing house cost £45,000 + VAT

The extension cost £85,000 + VAT

This works out at £2,650 + VAT per square meter for the extension.

Contractors and Consultants

BUILDER: Craighall Building Co.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: 3DM Ltd.

FRONT GLAZING: Bespoke Design by Capital A. Steel window frame by Robert Millar Blacksmith. Glazing by Mark Smith Glazing.

REAR BI-FOLD DOORS: Origin

PHOTOS: Capital A Architecture Ltd.

Architects Fees

For a similar project Capital A would charge the following fees;

Feasibly Study - £2,000

Planning Application - £1,650

Building Warrant Application - £3,000

Pre-Construction (Tender) - £1,900

Construction Stage - £6,000

Post-Construction (Snagging) - £ 500

See this page for more details on the stages of a project.

See this page for more details on Architects Fees.

Consultants Costs and Other Fees

Structural Engineers - £1,200 (aprox)

Energy Consultant - £100

Planning Application Fee to Local Council - £202

Building Warrant Application Fee to Local Council - £970

Book A Free Consultation With An Architect

Capital A offer a free, no obligation consultation if your property is in Edinburgh, The Lothians, Fife or Dundee. Our email and phone details are on the Contact Page.

REGISTERED OFFICE: Capital A Architecture Ltd. 8 Cameron Drive, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7DL. Registered as a Company in Scotland. Company Number SC374502.