House in Pollokshields

The Glasgow conservation area of Pollokshields houses some of the city’s finest Victorian villas and their dignified presence amidst mature gardens and landscape is a quality which the area’s protected status seeks to retain. This project consists of one storey rear extension to a handsome, but unlisted sandstone villa with a typical four room plan on both floors which sits in an elevated position.

The clients’ brief was for a new well-lit, relaxing space, with immediate access to the garden for a home-based elderly relative and the wider family to enjoy in different ways including dining for up to 12 people. Inspiration came from both a visit to a previous project of ours and images of a timber-lined dining booth and upholstered reading niche, sourced from the internet.

The extension is conceived as a garden room in the tradition of Victorian conservatories. Its light, frame-like character compliments the solid presence of the sandstone villa. A sheltered entrance/exit and covered seating area adjoins a new sunny terrace while accommodating the location of the tall arched Victorian stair window.

Within one volume there are several distinct, inter-connected places accommodating planned and unplanned activities. School homework, sewing, reading, architect’s meetings and family meals have taken place in the booth. The generous window seat hosts individual browsing as well as small and large group conversations. The white wall prompted digital presentations to professional colleagues. An elderly friend spontaneously laid a prayer rug in the centre to pray and friends from the local mosque have hinted at the space’s suitability for larger events. It is a remarkably inclusive space. The elderly relative whose needs inspired the project, sadly died during the construction phase. The clients feel however that the space has restorative and hospitable qualities for everyone; an observation which inspires us.