Abercromby Place | Stirling
Contemporary glass extension to a listed home.
Homes | Conservation
Private Client
Modern Architecture in the Kings Park Conservation Area
This project at Abercromby Place, Stirling demonstrates how modern architecture can breathe new life into a historic property. The brief was to design a single-storey glass-box extension to a Category C listed townhouse within the Kings Park Conservation Area.
Our clients wanted a light-filled open-plan kitchen, dining and living space that connected directly to their south-facing garden — a contemporary addition that would enhance daily life while preserving the period character of the original home.
Contemporary Extension to Listed Home.
The new extension is conceived as a refined, contemporary intervention, positioned discreetly to the rear of the property where earlier, less sympathetic alterations had been made.
Its rectilinear pavilion form is intentionally understated, allowing the historic sandstone facade and boundary to retain prominence. Externally, quartz-zinc cladding provides a subtle contrast in tone and texture, blending quietly with the traditional materials.
Expansive corner-sliding glass doors define the new garden elevation, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior. When open, the living space flows seamlessly onto the terrace, creating a calm, light-filled environment ideal for family life and entertaining.
Listed Building Extension – Working with Heritage and Conservation.
Designing within a conservation area demanded careful collaboration with Stirling Council and adherence to principles of minimum intervention, reversibility, and clear distinction between old and new.
The project replaced a dated single-storey addition that detracted from the home’s character. Removing it allowed the new design to re-establish architectural clarity and open up the garden aspect.
A lightweight glazed link connects the new structure to the original building, protecting the historic masonry and ensuring that the addition can be removed in future without damage — a key element of the conservation strategy.
Interior Design – Open plan living and natural light.
Inside, the new space transforms how the home functions. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area creates a fluid layout suited to modern lifestyles. A restrained palette of natural materials — pale timber, zinc and soft grey tones — provides warmth and calm, while expansive glazing floods the room with light throughout the day.
High levels of insulation make the extension thermally efficient, allowing it to operate as an independent, energy-conscious living zone. This reduces the energy demand of the historic house and demonstrates how sustainability and conservation can go hand in hand.
Architecture that Balances Heritage and Modern Living.
The design at Abercromby Place shows how a modern extension can enhance a listed building without compromising its authenticity. The contrast between the new zinc-and-glass structure and the traditional stonework creates a dialogue between eras — one that feels respectful, elegant and enduring.
By maintaining modest scale, careful detailing and material restraint, the extension integrates naturally into the Kings Park Conservation Area, reinforcing the architectural integrity of the original home while improving its comfort and usability.
Listed Home Renovation - Project Highlights.
Sensitive addition to a listed home in Stirling’s Kings Park Conservation Area
Elegant zinc and glass extension that complements original stonework
Replacement of intrusive previous extension to restore architectural balance
Seamless indoor-outdoor connection with corner-sliding glazed doors
Designed for thermal performance and long-term reversibility, allowing option not to heat all areas of traditional dwelling.
Contextual contemporary architecture in a historic setting.
The glass doors are arranged in a 3-panel format, maximising garden connection.
Looking for an Architect for your Listed Building Project?
If you’re planning to extend a period or listed property, or need advice on designing within a conservation area, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with 125Architects to discuss your ideas — from concept to completion, we help clients create modern extensions that sit beautifully within their historic context.