After renting out their detached family home for seven years, the owners were deciding whether to renovate it or move.
They wanted to return to their family home, but its dark, divided ground floor and tired interiors no longer worked for them.
. The long dining room and cold conservatory were rarely used, and the kitchen and bathrooms needed updating.
Studio AWA reconfigured the ground floor and added a bright new dining room that opens towards the garden. Together, these changes improved circulation and flow between the rooms, making the spaces work better for the whole family.
We took time to listen to what they wanted and understand how they hoped to live in the house. Those conversations shaped our ideas for how the existing rooms and new extension could work together.
“Anya spent a significant amount of time at the outset of the project listening to us to better understand our desired outcome and style preferences. This time was invaluable as it allowed her to suggest ideas that we had not considered and which had a huge impact on the finished product.”
Nigel and Gita, Balerno
We explored whether to adapt the existing conservatory and dining extension, but the family chose to replace both with a new dining room. It has room for a large table, chairs on both sides and comfortable circulation around them.
Structural changes connect the kitchen, dining room and snug. Glazed bi-fold doors let the living room open onto the dining area or close off as a quieter space. In the redesigned kitchen, a peninsula adds seating for everyday use.
Because the new dining room faces north, we incorporated a roof lantern to bring in daylight from above. Large triple-glazed sliding doors open onto a raised terrace and the garden, while an east-facing picture window looks out onto flowers in planters at sill height.
We also adapted existing windows to bring more light into the heart of the house.
Outside, horizontal larch cladding gives the extension a warm, natural character and will gradually weather to a soft silver-grey.
The project reached beyond the extension and ground-floor layout. We designed the kitchen, refurbished the bathroom and shower rooms, updated the bedrooms and created a walk-in wardrobe. We also helped the family choose blinds, wallpaper, furniture, paint colours and lighting, so the renovated spaces felt considered together.
We helped appoint the quantity surveyor, engineers and PJM Joinery and Building Ltd., then coordinated and oversaw the work during construction. Regular updates kept the family informed as the design became their home again.
The full house renovation gave the family a brighter, more useful home without leaving the place where they had made so many memories.
“Having worked with you on this project, we can see ourselves living in the house for many years to come.”
Nigel and Gita, Balerno
Location: Balerno, Edinburgh
Project: House extension and whole-home renovation
Services: Full architectural service, kitchen and bathroom design, interior design
Main contractor: PJM Joinery and Building Ltd.
Photography: Douglas Gibb
