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.