Ground Floor Extension, Internal Renovation & Landscaping

This carefully crafted project at Saughton Road North was designed to transform a traditional home into a light-filled, accessible space for modern living. We were appointed to deliver a comprehensive ground-floor extension, internal reconfiguration and full landscaping scheme. The vision was to open up the living space with expansive views to the garden while enhancing the property’s comfort, functionality and architectural character.

Structural & Conservation Works

Key to the transformation was a series of substantial structural alterations, including multiple internal “slap-throughs” to create an open-plan layout. A collapsing chimney was meticulously dismantled and rebuilt, with a strong conservation ethos guiding every decision. Stone removed during the build was salvaged and repurposed to form new ashlar rybats and lintels, preserving the home’s original character and minimising waste.

Interior Features

The internal renovation at Saughton Road North was delivered to an exceptional standard, balancing practicality with refined detail. At the heart of the home is a bespoke, high-specification kitchen, designed around modern living and finished with precision. A new ground-floor shower room brings both convenience and style, ideal for accessible, future-proofed living.
Comfort was a key consideration throughout, with underfloor heating installed across the entire ground floor to ensure consistent warmth. A dual-fuel log-burning stove, set into a custom-built hearth, adds character and a focal point to the living space. To maximise natural light and create a strong connection to the newly landscaped garden, we installed full-height glazed doors and windows, transforming the interior into a bright, welcoming environment perfectly suited to modern life.

Bespoke Brickwork & Architectural Detailing

With the client being a respected Edinburgh brick merchant, brickwork was elevated to a central design feature. Imported Danish bricks were selected for the extension façade, paired with a distinctive arched boundary wall. In a personal gesture, bricks were custom-stamped with the names of family members, and one proudly marked “True Build” in appreciation of our work. The project was completed with bespoke polished concrete copes, cills and columns, bringing a refined, contemporary edge to the final detailing.

Landscaping & External Works

Following the success of the internal works, True Build was commissioned to design and deliver the external landscaping. Works included:

• Discreet external slot drains for efficient surface water management
• Precision-laid porcelain paving for durability and visual continuity
• Defined planting borders, new turf and thoughtfully designed pathways

A brick-built garden store that complements the home’s material palette
The completed home now offers a seamless flow between interior and exterior living. The open-plan layout, full-height glazing and landscaped garden have transformed the property into a bright, elegant and highly functional space, perfectly suited for a comfortable and accessible retirement. Every detail reflects a balance of heritage sensitivity, contemporary performance, and the client’s personal connection to the materials used.

What we delivered

We provided full project management and delivery from concept to completion, coordinating all elements of the build with our in-house team and long-standing specialist partners. Services included:

• Structural steel engineering
• Bespoke joinery and carpentry
• Plumbing, underfloor heating and electrics
• Stonemasonry and brickwork
• Plastering, tiling and redecoration
• Window installation and complete landscaping

A Lasting Result

What sets this project apart is the painstaking restoration and reuse of original stone, repurposed to create finely detailed features that blend seamlessly with the home’s historic fabric. The result is a home of exceptional quality, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, delivered with the care, clarity and craftsmanship we are known for.

“From start to finish, the True Build team delivered beyond expectation. Their workmanship, professionalism and attention to detail were exceptional. We now have a home that’s not only beautiful and functional, but deeply personal, and built to last.”

Jeremy & Angela