This project is a modern two-storey extension to a historic detached villa located in The Grange, a conservation area in Edinburgh. The design adopts a bold and contemporary aesthetic, creating a deliberate contrast to the traditional style of the original structure while maintaining a sympathetic visual relationship through the thoughtful use of materials and form.

The lower level of the extension is clad in stone, paying homage to the historical materiality of the existing villa. This choice allows the extension to harmonise with its context, providing a sense of continuity between the old and the new. The integration of stone ensures that the base of the extension appears grounded and connected to the original building, fostering a cohesive visual dialogue.

The upper level, in contrast, is finished in zinc. This zinc-clad element is purposefully lightweight both in construction and appearance, creating a striking modern addition that departs from the solid traditional masonry below. The upper storey is designed to seemingly "float" above the clerestory glazing, enhancing the feeling of lightness and bringing a dynamic quality to the composition. This effect is further accentuated by the extensive use of glass, which allows the upper floor to visually recede, creating the impression of a cantilevered box delicately balanced above.

The ground floor incorporates large expanses of glazing, enhancing the relationship between the internal spaces and the garden, allowing natural light to flood the interior, and creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection. This openness contrasts with the more enclosed nature of the original villa, providing the new living spaces with a bright and airy atmosphere while retaining privacy where needed.

The extension blends the historic charm of the original villa with a bold and contemporary architectural statement, creating a home that is both respectful of its heritage and forward-looking in its design.