ETON TERRACE
A sensitive refurbishment of a Category A listed ground and basement flat overlooking the Dean Valley, set within Edinburgh’s New Town Conservation Area.
Early conversations explored a rear extension, but a closer reading of the plan revealed a simpler, more respectful route: rework and refine what was already there, meeting the brief entirely within the existing footprint.
The transformation centres on the basement, where ceilings were raised and the layout opened up to draw daylight through the apartment and strengthen the relationship with the private rear garden. Across both levels, the plan was carefully reconfigured to introduce new bathrooms and en suites, alongside upgraded electrics and lighting and a more sustainable heating strategy, including underfloor heating. Throughout, original doors and cornicing were retained where possible; where new elements were required, they were designed to sit comfortably alongside the historic fabric and detailing.
Contemporary interventions are deliberately precise: enlarged ‘frameless’ glazed openings to the rear elevation, micro-cement bathroom finishes, and wall and ceiling treatments in shou sugi ban cladding (the Japanese technique of charred timber). A new kitchen and bespoke fitted furniture, complemented by thoughtfully chosen fixtures and furnishings, complete the home.
The result is a calm, beautifully detailed home, an elegant balance of conservation and contemporary living in the heart of historic Edinburgh.
FEATURED
Publications:
Architect: David Blaikie Architects
Project Architect: Kristina McKinnon
Building Contractor: BANN Group
Structural Engineer: McColl Associates
Timber Cladding: Toasted
Kitchen & Fitted Furniture: Peden & Pringle
Interior Styling: Client
Photography: ZAC & ZAC