A stunning transformation of a historic Edinburgh tenement

This listed six storey building had been used as an office before it was converted into luxury flats, but it was the basement that underwent the most significant transformation.

When originally built the basement would have been used for servants and as such was designed with tight winding stairs, small windows and cramped room, so the brief to Capital A Architecture was to create a light-filled space that was more suited to modern living.

The creation of a zinc-clad garden room, connecting the steeply sloping garden with the interior of the house, allowed for large sliding doors to be incorporated into the design. The floor level of the new space was lowered to allow better access to the garden whilst also enabling full height, floor to ceiling glazing to be installed.

The architects turned to Galashiels based Mitchell Glass for their expert advice and input on the glazing and the SUNFLEX UK SVG83 aluminium sliding doors and SF75 triple glazed doors were specified for the project. The three-panel SVG83 is installed on a triple track allowing all three doors to slide, whilst the doors are finished to complement the cladding of the extension.

The finished basement now has five bedrooms and includes a wine-store, utility room and home cinema. The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) selected the project as one of the best 100 home in Scotland since 2000 as part of the Festival of Architecture 2017. The RIAS exhibition runs from 7th-30th September at Glasgow Central Station.