This project involves a vertical extension to a modest two-storey family home on Craighall Crescent, Edinburgh.
The dwelling is occupied by a family of four and currently provides only two bedrooms at first-floor level.
The proposal introduces a third bedroom on the upper floor to accommodate a new member of the family, while improving the efficiency and functionality of the internal layout.
Design Rationale
Consolidating all bedrooms on the first floor allows better supervision of young children and supports a clearer separation between living and sleeping spaces.
Due to the limited footprint of the house, the additional bedroom is formed as a first-floor extension above the existing single-storey living room, which dates from the 1980s. This approach avoids further encroachment into the rear garden and makes efficient use of the existing built fabric.
It is also notable that this property — together with its attached neighbour — is approximately 1.8 metres shallower than comparable houses along the crescent, resulting in reduced internal floor area and making it less suited to modern family living standards. The proposal addresses this imbalance in a measured and proportionate way.
Architectural Integration
The extension has been carefully designed to remain fully in keeping with the architectural character of the existing house and the wider crescent.
Key principles include:
- Use of matching materials and colour palette
- Extension aligned precisely with the footprint of the existing living room
- Gable raised by only 900mm, with the main roof ridge height unchanged
- Roof slopes falling away on three sides to reduce visual bulk
This ensures a coherent and harmonious relationship with both the original dwelling and neighbouring properties.
Daylight, Sunlight and Amenity
A Sunlight and Daylight Assessment was undertaken to evaluate the proposal’s impact on surrounding properties.
The assessment demonstrates that:
- The extension has a minimal impact on daylight and sunlight
- All neighbouring gardens will continue to receive over five hours of sunlight on 21st March, significantly exceeding the Edinburgh Design Guidance 2025 target of just over two hours at the Spring Equinox
Particular attention was given to the garden of No. 41 Craighall Crescent due to its proximity. To protect amenity:
- The roof profile remains below a 45-degree line taken from 2 metres at the shared boundary
- The garden at No. 41 retains 0.93 of its former sunlight level, indicating a negligible change and full compliance with policy
No new windows are proposed on the gable elevation, ensuring no overlooking or loss of privacy.
Outcome
The proposal delivers a modest, policy-compliant vertical extension that supports family life, improves spatial efficiency, and respects both neighbouring amenity and the established character of the crescent.
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