25/05/2026
Does your house sit higher than your garden? ๐ Bridging a steep drop can make a backyard feel completely cut off from the kitchen...but it also presents a fantastic design opportunity.
For this traditional Edinburgh bungalow, our architectural design practice completely remodelled the internal layout to create a bright, open-plan kitchen and living hub. But the real game-changer was how we solved the connection to the garden:
๐ก The Raised Transition: Because the main living area sits well above the lawn, we designed a bespoke raised platform and staircase to create a natural, easy flow outside.
๐ค๏ธ Glazed Balustrades: Using glass instead of solid railings preserves an uninterrupted view of the garden from inside the house, while offering excellent wind protection.
๐ง๏ธ Built for the Scottish Weather: We specified premium composite decking. Itโs ultra-durable, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance compared to traditional timber.
๐ฆ Clever Hidden Storage: The base is wrapped in modern timber-slatted cladding, which cleanly hides a practical, discreet storage zone underneath for garden tools.
From simple wall removals to complex reconfigurations that handle challenging site levels, we take the stress out of home alterations by managing the entire planning and building warrant process for you.
Ready to see how your home could better connect to your outdoor space?
๐ Head to abcarchitecture.co.uk to find out more and chat with our team!