Back to Front House | Midlothian

This historic house in Midlothian was first built to be accessed from an ancient Roman road. Since the construction of a new road to the rear of the building, that road has fallen into disrepair and the house now faces the wrong way.

The proposed extension has been designed to provide a bold new entrance and street elevation, while providing the occupants with a contemporary open plan kitchen/dining/living space and a light-filled bathroom.

Reclaimed sandstone from the demolition of a non-original service block forms a new ‘bookend’ element adjacent to the boundary, while the new spaces sit below a sloping zinc shell or behind lightweight timber walls. The junctions between these elements provide opportunities for concealed roof-lights, subtly drawing light into the spaces below throughout the day and year.