AK architecture

19/12/2025

This project was about putting the right rooms in the right places.

The existing kitchen was too small and poorly positioned for a growing family. By swapping the kitchen and a bedroom, then expanding the proposed kitchen into the adjoining dining room, we were able to consolidate several spaces and remove a load-bearing wall to form a generous, well-zoned open-plan kitchen and dining area.

The result is a layout that feels natural and connected:

• A properly sized family kitchen at the heart of the home

• Kitchen and dining spaces that now sit together and flow seamlessly

• Clear zoning within an open-plan arrangement

• Improved movement, light and everyday usability

• Structural alterations carefully coordinated as part of the design

A simple re-plan on paper, but a transformational change in how the house now works day to day — without extending the footprint.

16/12/2025

Let’s talk about turning a house that doesn’t quite work into a home that does. ✍🏼

At our project in Aberdeens West End, we saw a classic problem: Beautiful period features up front, but a layout at the back that didn’t fit modern family life.

So we kept the charm where it belongs and worked our magic where it was needed.

By opening up some walls, infilling doorways, recapturing hallway way space as functional floor space, consolidating some internal rooms and adding a thoughtfully placed extension, we’ve created a home that flows effortlessly.

That awkward north facing dead space at the side garden? Now it’s a seamless kitchen and utility room and a direct kitchen access point from the driveway, making life easier for the family and solving those daily frustrations.

In other words, we’re not just designing extensions; we’re designing solutions that turn pain points into “that’s exactly what we needed.” Stay tuned as we take this one through planning.

10/12/2025

GREENFERNS, BANCHORY — FINAL STAGES IN SIGHT

From strip-out to structure… now into the home stretch.

The roof is now fully fitted and the extension is officially wind and watertight — a huge milestone on this project. Well maybe one last door to fit, 🤭 but it’s secure!

Inside, the progress is just as strong:

✅ Primary insulation installed (an enormous amount of work given the rebuild required)

✅ Secondary insulation to the first floor complete

✅ VCL layer fitted

✅ Service void ready for first-fix electrical and plumbing

This is the moment a project shifts gears — when the structure stops feeling like a construction site and starts moving toward becoming a home again.

Next up:

➡️ Plasterboarding — where everything transforms almost overnight.

Follow along as the interior takes shape and this extension finally becomes the space it was meant to be.

This has certainly been a challenging project.

03/12/2025

Planning Approved🤩

📩 Friday delivered… Last week wrapped up on a high with a few planning approvals landing in the inbox — and this project in Banchory was one of them.

This proposal replaces a cluster of outdated add-ons with a cohesive, contemporary extension designed around how a modern family actually lives day-to-day.

The heart of the scheme is a bright, open-plan kitchen–dining–living space that finally connects the home properly to the garden.

Key moves that made the difference:
🌤️ Glazed gable rotated 90° to pull in morning light and frame garden views

🏡 Hipped roof form to minimise overshadowing while still accommodating south-facing roof windows

🌲 Natural timber cladding to soften the architecture and settle it into the landscape

⛰️ Vaulted ceilings with exposed ties to add volume and character

↘️ Split-level design that works with the existing ground levels and keeps the massing low and refined

A thoughtful transformation that turns a once-fragmented rear layout into a warm, uplifting family hub.

25/09/2025

✨ From Conservatory to Contemporary Living ✨

Ator project in Banchory Aberdeenshire, we’ve reimagined this family home with a bold yet sensitive proposal.

The design consolidates the existing conservatory and extensions, replacing them with a stunning gable extension that opens up into a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space.

☀️ By rotating the glazed gable 90 degrees, the home now captures the morning sun while framing beautiful garden views.

🌿 A carefully considered hipped roof design reduces minor overshadowing in the garden, but reduces the overall prominence of the building, while allowing for south-facing roof windows to flood the interior with light.

🏡 Inside, the existing ceilings will be vaulted with exposed ties, while the new extension boasts a vaulted open ceiling with a part split-level design to settle naturally into the garden.

🌲 Finished in natural timber cladding, the extension blends contemporary design with warmth, character, and timeless appeal.

This proposal is all about creating a functional, light-filled family hub that connects seamlessly to the garden, bringing architecture and lifestyle together.

12/09/2025

Looking back to move forward ✨

This outbuilding once had a full roof structure, but the gable was later taken back to form a balcony. Picturesque, yes—but being exposed to the elements meant it was prone to rot and left the upper floor underused.

Our design reinstated the roof, enclosing the balcony and finishing the gable with new glazed windows. The result? A bright, weatherproof interior that’s now usable all year round.

We kept the ceiling ties exposed to enhance the sense of height and volume—showing how small, considered changes can make a huge impact.

A sensitive refurbishment that not only solved ongoing issues, but also gave the building back its character and functionality.

📍 Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
🏡 Extensions | Refurbishments | Home Improvements

Thinking about transforming an awkward or underused space? Drop us a message—we’d love to explore what’s possible for your home.

12/09/2025

18/07/2025

🏡 Upper Corskie – Extension Complete, Garden Next

We dropped by our recently completed extension at Upper Corskie, where the main construction works are now finished — and what a setting to return to.

Clad in beautiful Russwood timber with sleek black-framed glazing, this extension blends effortlessly with its rural surroundings. The materials feel modern but warm, bold yet timeless.

Now, we’re working with the client to explore hard landscaping solutions — tying the new internal space seamlessly into the garden beyond.

📐 The levels are proving a bit of a design challenge, but that’s where the fun begins: retaining usability, creating flow, and maximising that indoor-outdoor connection.

And did we mention the views?

Framed perfectly by the extension, they’re nothing short of spectacular.

📍 Project: Upper Corskie | Aberdeenshire
📌 Timber-Clad Extension | Landscape Integration in Progress