A modern family home extension
Ian McGregor Architects, a small, family-oriented practice of three, has built a reputation for creating thoughtful domestic projects and new builds. Their latest project, a single-storey extension for a family home in Aberdeen, presented a particularly challenging site - central, overlooked by surrounding properties, and demanding careful consideration of privacy and natural light.
Photo cred: Niall Hastie Photography
The existing kitchen and garden suffered from limited privacy, which made the space feel enclosed and disconnected from the outdoors. Ian McGregor Architects saw this as an opportunity to rethink the home’s layout entirely. The solution involved demolishing the old kitchen and designing a larger, open-plan extension that reoriented the interior towards the garden. Large bi-folding doors now frame the view and create a seamless connection between the home and the outdoor space, while solid walls along the neighbouring boundaries maintain privacy.
To maximise daylight without compromising seclusion, rooflights were incorporated into the extension’s design. The practice chose FAKRO products for this purpose, drawn by their CPD support and outstanding customer service. The design incorporates four FAKRO electrically operated, double-glazed flat roof windows (DEG P2). With a U-value of 0.92W/m²K and a Class 4 airtightness rating, the rooflights deliver excellent thermal performance alongside abundant natural light. The glazing quality, finish, and ease of installation were all crucial factors in selecting FAKRO, and the team reports being very happy with both the installation process and the finished result. Natural light floods the new space, highlighting the modern aesthetic and creating a bright, welcoming environment for family life.
Externally, a timber pergola defines an outdoor seating area, complementing the painted timber gable and providing a tactile, contemporary finish. Inside, the extension accommodates a spacious kitchen and dining area, while a new utility room ensures that appliances and storage are neatly organised - a practical solution for a busy family home.
Photo cred: Niall Hastie Photography
Reflecting on the project, Ian McGregor Architects said,
A challenging site sometimes brings the best out in a project, turning constraints into an opportunity to create a modern extension which focuses on the positives of the site.
The project demonstrates how careful planning, innovative design, and the right product choices can transform a constrained site into a functional and beautiful family home. With the success of this extension, Ian McGregor Architects is enthusiastic about specifying FAKRO products in future projects, confident in both their quality and the support offered by the team.
Architect: Ian McGregor Architects
Contractor: Eco Build Scotland
