This Edinburgh basement renovation opened up and connected the basement and ground floors to create a single living space.
Basement Conversion – Victorian Terrace Refurbishment in Willowbrae, Edinburgh
This Victorian terraced house sits on a slope on the side of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, with the basement opening onto the back garden. The house was originally divided into a number of small rooms. Access to the rear garden was through a dark basement utility room and workshop, which meant that it was rarely used.
The basement and ground floors were opened up, with the basement excavated to give an area the same size as the ground floor. The kitchen was moved to the basement with bi-fold doors opening directly onto the garden. A snug with a wood burning stove sits on the enclosed side of the basement, lit by a lightwell from the front garden.
Part of the ground floor was removed to create a home office in a mezzanine over the kitchen. This also connected the ground and basement levels as a single living space. A new opening with a glass balustrade allows views from the front door right through to the rear garden. The attic was converted to provide two further bedrooms. The house was insulated in all of the converted areas to maximise energy efficiency.
The project won a Commendation in the Edinburgh Architectural Association Awards 2018
Completed 2017
Photography – Chris Humphreys www.chrishumphreys.net/ & Fernandes Binns Architects