Architecture News

In the historic Newhaven Conservation Area of Edinburgh, a Georgian townhouse has undergone a remarkable transformation at the hands of Scottish architecture firm Pend. This extensive renovation includes a striking extension, meticulously designed to complement the original pale stone facade with its unique cladding of slender red bricks. The primary goal of this architectural endeavor was to forge a stronger connection between the residence and its surrounding garden, while simultaneously reconfiguring the internal layout to improve functionality and light. The project successfully marries historical charm with contemporary design principles, addressing the home's previous structural and spatial challenges.

Previously, the townhouse suffered from an elevated and somewhat fragmented front entrance, alongside a neglected conservatory and shed at the rear, which hindered access to the garden. Pend addressed these issues by introducing a new single-story brick extension at the rear, which now serves as a secondary entrance. This innovative design provides direct access to a new living area, seamlessly flowing into the dining space and central kitchen. According to project architect Joanna Hobbs, the original entrance, situated on a higher level due to the site's topography, led visitors through private rooms before reaching the main living areas. The new rear entrance offers a more direct and inviting route into the home's principal entertaining spaces, allowing the existing entrance to retain a more secluded role.

The design philosophy of the extension draws inspiration from the existing Georgian structure's curved masonry walls, which, over time, had been repaired with brick infills. This historical detail guided the selection of the distinctive skinny red bricks for the Newhaven extension's exterior. Inside, the graceful curves are echoed in various architectural elements, including a circular skylight that bathes the interior in natural light, a beautifully curved timber opening connecting the dining and living areas, and bespoke curved shelves integrated into the extension's corners. Hobbs noted that the original rear elevation's three-foot-thick curved sandstone wall was a crucial reference point, informing a series of curved features throughout the new intervention and the garden landscape.

Beyond the primary living spaces, the extension also incorporates a small, tranquil study. This dedicated area offers a quiet retreat from the main social hubs, featuring a porthole-like window that frames views of the garden. The curved motifs extend into the outdoor space, where a winding path gracefully divides the garden into two distinct zones: an informal lawn area and a paved terrace. The terrace is bordered by a curving brick-lined bed, with steps leading to the side access gate, further enhancing the cohesive design. Pend, founded in 2021 by Jamie Anderson and based in Leith, Edinburgh, specializes in residential projects. Their portfolio includes other notable works such as the extension of a Georgian farmhouse with fluted pink-toned stonework and the transformation of an infill site into mews homes in Edinburgh.

The architectural intervention by Pend has fundamentally reimagined the living experience within this Georgian townhouse. By skillfully addressing past structural limitations and integrating new elements that respect the building's historical integrity, the studio has created a contemporary home that is both functional and aesthetically rich. The new layout enhances natural light, improves spatial flow, and strengthens the visual and physical connection to the garden, offering a refreshed and inviting environment for its inhabitants.

Where Tradition Meets Modernity: The Art of Balanced Design

Conceptualizing the In-Between: Tato Architects' Vision

At the heart of the Mibu residence's design philosophy lies the principle of 'in-betweenness,' a concept championed by Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck. Tato Architects, under the leadership of Yo Shimada, embraced this idea to craft a home that simultaneously offers seclusion and openness. This approach allowed the architects to ingeniously circumvent the site's limitations, including existing structures and access paths, by treating them not as obstacles but as integral components shaping the dwelling's unique character.

Innovative Site Integration: The Sunken Living Space and Green Roof

The ingenuity of the House in Mibu is immediately apparent in its strategic placement and design. To accommodate existing site requirements, the ground floor is subtly recessed by 500 millimeters, creating a distinctive sunken living area. This elevation difference, combined with a partially sloped green roof, masterfully blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Shimada emphasizes how this "sinking into the earth" provides a sense of enclosure, while the connection to the surrounding landscape fosters an expansive feeling of openness.

Exterior Aesthetics: Charred Timber and Corrugated Metal

The exterior of the Mibu House presents a striking visual narrative through its material palette. Charred cedar planks, a traditional Japanese technique known as Yakisugi, encase the home, offering both durability and a deep, rich aesthetic. This dark, textured facade is beautifully complemented by a corrugated metal roof, a deliberate choice by Tato Architects to echo the industrial character of the adjacent workshop, thereby harmonizing the new structure with its surroundings.

Interior Harmony: Plywood-Lined Spaces and Dynamic Views

Step inside, and the Mibu House reveals a world of warmth and intricate spatial relationships. The interiors are almost entirely clad in lauan plywood, a material chosen by Shimada for its ability to mature gracefully and bear the marks of time and use. This cohesive material choice creates a continuous, inviting atmosphere. The design intentionally generates diverse sightlines, such as the ground-level living room offering eye-level views of the garden, fostering a subtle visual connection between family members both inside and outside the home.

Functional Zoning: Multi-Level Living and Adaptable Spaces

The internal layout of the House in Mibu is a testament to functional efficiency and adaptability. The entrance, sheltered by the first floor's overhang, leads into a welcoming area complete with a cloakroom and bathroom, before descending into the main living, dining, and kitchen zones. A pair of timber and green-painted steel staircases ascend to the first floor, where bedrooms are organized around a versatile loft-like space. This elevated area, perfect for a study or guest room, exemplifies the home's commitment to flexible living, with its heightened floor level creating intimate, nest-like rooms for the children and main bedroom.