Edzell, Angus — 2011

Glen House

Garden Room with Studio, Sauna, and Seamless Flow

Back to extensions and alterations

Tasked with replacing a previous extension formed when the house was a doctor’s surgery, the project re‑centres family life around a new south-facing garden room, artist’s studio and practical boot room to the rear of a handsome four-bedroom villa.

Tasked with replacing a previous extension formed when the house was a doctor’s surgery, the project re‑centres family life around a new south-facing garden room, artist’s studio and practical boot room to the rear of a handsome four-bedroom villa.

Garden Room: Light, Warmth, and Connection

Two large sliding doors open to a new garden terrace, creating a fluid indoor–outdoor sequence and easy entertaining.

Clerestory glazing washes the room with daylight and animated shadow, while an open fireplace adds winter warmth and atmosphere.

Underfloor heating served by a new, efficient boiler ensures year-round comfort.

Garden Room: Light, Warmth, and Connection

Two large sliding doors open to a new garden terrace, creating a fluid indoor–outdoor sequence and easy entertaining.

Clerestory glazing washes the room with daylight and animated shadow, while an open fireplace adds winter warmth and atmosphere.

Underfloor heating served by a new, efficient boiler ensures year-round comfort.

Material Warmth and Cohesion

Durable bamboo flooring provides a tough, renewable surface with a calm, natural grain; it’s rapidly renewable, sequesters carbon quickly, and grows without fertilizers or pesticides.

The bamboo theme extends into bespoke built-in storage.

A large sliding door to the artist’s studio picks up an oriental note, allowing the studio to open to garden views or close for focus.

Practical Luxuries

The brief expands beyond living space to everyday wellbeing: a sauna, accessible shower room, and a pantry/utility space bring both indulgence and practicality.

The glazed-roof boot room forms a bright rear entrance with organised storage for coats and boots, containing the new boiler and serving as a thermal and clutter buffer.

The new works account for roughly half of the ground-floor area, with underfloor heating for even, efficient warmth.

Outcome

A thoughtful replacement of a tired addition yields a serene, garden-facing heart to the home, marrying daylight and landscape with adaptable creative space. Material consistency and robust services quietly upgrade comfort and efficiency, while the mix of studio, sauna, utility, and boot room elevates daily routines without overwhelming the character of the original villa.