Client brief… “more of the same please!”

Our clients were so delighted with our work on their Broomhilll garden studio - which was awarded an ASA Commendation Award- they wanted us to help improve other areas of their home; continuing the style and theme of the studio.

Transforming an under utilised, tired and restricted attic space into a light, bright and stylish Scandi inspired loft was the order of the day.

So how did we do it? Well, it’s quite a tale of careful planning and great local craftsmanship. Grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy!

Adding feature birch plywood walls brought texture, depth and a sense of purpose to the space. Large Velux windows were added to bring in a huge amount of light, fresh air and far-reaching views across Aberdeen.

This involved lots of painstaking roof strengthening work after discovering a few structural bumps along the way that needed attention and a healthy contingency budget.

Having to alter the original roof structure and trusses more than first anticipated, provided an opportunity to create more usable floor space and customise integrated storage space in the eaves, including a hidden ply door or two.

The plywood feature wall has a plywood barn door with industrial ironmongery that leads through to a luxurious wet room. Locally made sash and case period inspired windows afford fantastic views over south Aberdeen. A hidden plywood sliding door disappears into the wall to reveal a designated cloak room space and hidden plywood eaves door to even more secret storage.

Crucially, from an Architect’s point of view , the hours spent planning all shadow gaps and junction details did not go to waste as they were installed perfectly by the contractor, despite the out of level and plumb walls to be expected in a home of this age.

The birch plywood bed, also designed by BWMA, has large industrial drawers and a hidden compartment to maximise storage.

The hallway leads to a second room that doubles as both a snug with day bed featuring integrated storage and a reading nook with bespoke space for the clients son to study, or more likely play video games surrounded by custom designed integrated birch ply cabinetry.

And did it all work out as planned?

It was always our intention to future proof the design for life beyond a student loft. The level of finish and foresight with regard to space planning means that the attic level will be used as a master suite.

In our view , one of the key features of the space that really helps create a sense of cohesiveness to the wider renovation works in the home is a new ,period-sensitive, traditional redwood tongue and groove floor.

This was continued into the new attic space from the renovated hallway that saw Victorian wall panelling and ornate balustrade painted deep chalky colours, which helped to create a sense of ‘reveal’ when reaching the light, bright attic level.

The new floorboards were then treated with a natural dye product to give a more contemporary Scandi loft feel, ready to stand the test of the next few hundred years and perhaps, the odd student party. So yes it worked out just swell