This 1950s bungalow in Edinburgh has been reconfigured for an improved layout more compatible with modern living.
The original 91m2 footprint has been increased to 197m2 using three different forms of modern methods of construction (MMC). Overall, the performance of the property has been significantly upgraded, using novel approaches that improve quality of life whilst minimising environmental impact.
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LocationEdinburgh
Completion Date2024
Gross Internal Floor Area197 m²
ArchitectDavid Blaikie Architects / Grigor Mitchell
ClientRobert Hairstans
Project TypeResidential
Building TypeBungalow
Structural EngineerHarley Haddow / Design Engineering Workshop
Wood SupplierMAKAR / EcoSystems Technologies
PhotographerJakki Brock
Product InfoWall, roof and floor panels; wall and roof cassettes (mass timber and solid-section timber); woodfibre insulation; external cladding
Timber SpeciesUK Sitka Spruce; Scots pine; birch plywood
Upfront carbon emissions (A1-A5)421 kgCO₂e/m²
Stored biogenic carbon449 kgCO₂e/m²
Design life100 years
The extension work was carried out in two phases: 2014-17 and 2022-24. The house was originally designed as a single-storey property. It had had one owner occupant until its sale in 2011 and had previously only undergone minor remedial measures including: the addition of a small 7m2 uninsulated sun room to the rear of the property; new windows in the form of UPVC double glazing installed in 1996 (which had since failed); and cavity wall insulation (the installation date of which was unknown, but which was confirmed with bore hole testing).
This retrofit and extension project has doubled the useable floor space, improving form and functionality, while the overall energy consumption has dropped significantly, due to major fabric improvements in the retrofit works. The rejuvenated Sun Room – or “sitooterie”, as it is affectionately known in Scotland – uses a lightweight and highly insulated timber frame closed-panel cassette system.
