Alterations and Contemporary Extension to Grade B-Listed House, St Andrews

Alterations and Contemporary Extension to Grade B-Listed House, St Andrews

We were delighted to see planning approved at committee for our designs for extensive alterations and an extension to this historic grade B listed two-and-a-half storey terraced townhouse in St Andrews. The successful outcome followed an extended period of collaboration between us, the applicant, Historic Environment Scotland, and Fife Council.

Over the decades, the property has been stripped of much of its original character and has been the subject of various alterations. Our proposal seeks to restore the historic character of the building by reintroducing more traditional features and replacing incongruous modern windows and openings.

A key element of the brief was to create a better standard of habitation and usage for the occupants. To achieve this, the second floor is to be converted from a mezzanine into a full attic floor, with the addition of an extra bedroom made possible due to an external turret staircase extension and the installation of four dormer windows, including two traditional catslide dormers on the street elevation. The work required to improve the structural integrity and thermal performance of the roof also offers the opportunity to provide more headroom by raising the ridge line and lowering the floor level.

Meanwhile, the proposed single pitched roof rear extension joins onto the house with a low subservient profile and provides space for a new living room and kitchen. A glass-to-stone junction between the house and the extension separates the traditional and modern architectural styles, while high-level glazing and a sliding glass open corner provide a sense of openness and flood the space with light.

Key Features

• Improved access to attic room via external turret staircase extension.
• Raised roof ridge, lowered second storey floor and addition of four dormer windows.
• Internal alterations, including additional bedroom and WCs.
• Improvements to front and rear elevations, including reinstating traditionally detailed and proportioned windows.
• Upgrading building fabric to enhance insulation and make structurally sound.
• Low profile, contemporary single pitched roof extension featuring sliding glass open corner and sandstone walls.