A Seamless Garden Retreat

Transforming an Urban Space into a Year-Round Sanctuary

For over a decade, our Edinburgh-based client loved spending time in her beautiful basement flat in the heart of the New Town. However, the layout and positioning of her property meant that natural light was limited indoors, and the unpredictable Scottish weather often prevented her from fully enjoying her garden. Despite yearning for an outdoor space she could use in all seasons, she was hesitant about the complexities of obtaining planning permission in a conservation area.

After years of uncertainty, our client reached out to explore the possibility of creating a bespoke Garden Room—one that would enhance her connection to the outdoors while providing a comfortable, light-filled retreat she could enjoy year-round.

Designing the Perfect Urban Oasis

Understanding the constraints of the site and the client’s aspirations, we took on the challenge of designing a structure that would feel both contemporary and seamlessly integrated into the existing garden environment. Our team worked closely with our client to refine every detail, ensuring the garden room complemented the character of her home while offering a transformative new way to experience her garden.

Within just three months, we secured full planning permission—no small feat in a conservation area—and commenced construction on a stunning cedar-clad Garden Room. Built with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, the design maximised natural light and created an inviting, warm atmosphere for year-round use.

Key Features:

Glass Panelling and Biophilic Design: Large glass panels and glass doors allow natural light to flood the space while offering uninterrupted views of the garden, reinforcing a sense of indoor-outdoor harmony.

All-Season Comfort: Fully insulated and equipped with mains electric, the space is designed to be enjoyed throughout the changing seasons, regardless of temperature fluctuations.

Ambience and Practicality: Internal and external lighting extends usability into the evening hours, while a carefully positioned wood-burning stove adds both charm and warmth, making it a perfect winter retreat.

Privacy and Positioning: Thoughtful placement ensures both privacy and optimal daylight exposure, creating a tranquil hideaway within the bustling city environment.

An Oasis in the City...

What was once an underutilised outdoor area soon became an essential extension of our client’s home. Featured in Scotland on Sunday as ‘An Oasis in the City,’ this beautifully crafted Garden Room completely redefined the way our client interacted with her surroundings. With the ability to read, entertain, dine, rest, and simply soak in the beauty of her garden, Mrs McIntosh found herself practically living in the space. The seamless integration of nature and architecture created a sanctuary where she could relax in solitude or host intimate gatherings, no matter the season.

Key Project Highlights:

Bespoke design including integrated water butt

Full project design and management

Full planning permission secured in a conservation area

Built within 4 weeks

Seamless Project Delivery

From securing planning permission to final completion, our team managed every aspect of the project with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our client. In just three months, we transformed our clients vision into reality, delivering a bespoke garden retreat tailored to her lifestyle.

This project is a testament to how thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship can turn even the most challenging urban places into extraordinary spaces. If you’re considering enhancing your home with a tailored garden retreat, our team is ready to bring your vision to life.

Client Testimonial

"From the very beginning, the team made everything so straightforward. They handled the planning process seamlessly, and despite the tricky access, their professionalism and problem-solving skills made what could have been a stressful process completely hassle-free.

"The end result has been genuinely transformational. Living in a basement flat in Edinburgh’s New Town, I always struggled with limited natural light but the garden room floods with natural light all year round, making it an uplifting space to retreat to.

"The wood burner adds a cosy charm in winter, and the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail far exceeded my expectations. It feels like a true extension of my home, a place where I can read, relax, and entertain in total comfort. I can’t believe I waited so long to do this—it has completely changed how I experience my home and garden!"

Mrs McIntosh - Edinburgh Client

To find out more call us on 0131 447 8651