The end of the year is always a good moment to pause, take stock, and reflect. In architecture, progress is often slow and hard-won, so getting a project onto site — and seeing it take physical form — is always worth celebrating.

In 2025, six Studio McMillan Architects projects were on site. They vary in scale and location, but they share common themes: retrofit over replacement, accessibility as good design, and careful decisions that improve how people actually live.

Darras Hall, Newcastle

House remodelling and deep retrofit

This year, we reached a major milestone with the internal completion of our Darras Hall project — a complex and deeply personal endeavor.

Our client approached us specifically for our expertise in accessible design. Following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND), he wanted to ensure his home would support him properly, without compromising on architectural quality or ambition.

The original 1960s bungalow (approximately 180m²) had remained largely unchanged since it was built. Working closely with the client, we developed a plan for a fully barrier-free, energy-efficient home. A series of sketches and a physical model helped communicate a vision for opening the house to the south-facing garden, introducing a new double-height space and reflecting pools that bring dappled sunlight deep into the heart of the home.

The remodelled layout now includes three bedrooms with direct garden access, a generous principal suite with dressing room, ensuite and therapy space, and open-plan living areas subtly zoned by a full-height storage wall. Ramped access from the split-level garage ensures seamless movement throughout the house.

This project encapsulates what we care about: design that is humane, beautiful, and robust enough to support real life.

Inveresk

Internal alterations and thermal upgrade

What began as a relatively modest brief — to improve natural light and thermal performance — has transformed this home far beyond initial expectations.

By December, the project was completed internally, and the impact was immediate. For the first time, the quality of light and space could be fully felt.

The client told us:

These moments matter. They’re a reminder that thoughtful design isn’t about grand gestures, but about changing how a home feels to live in, day to day.

Edinburgh, Merchiston

Accessible retrofit and reconfiguration

This 1980s “upside-down” house never quite worked. The layout was awkward, energy performance was poor, and accessibility was limited.

We completely rethought the plan, flipping the house again — this time with purpose — to create a fully wheelchair-accessible home with greatly improved insulation and comfort. The client has a strong contemporary sensibility, which is reflected in the interiors, including mint green sliding doors from Express Bi-Folds that we still love.

The client summed it up simply:

That’s design doing its job.

Trinity

Internal reconfiguration and attic extension

This project involved a careful internal reworking of a 1930s bungalow, combined with a new attic extension.

The original layout was fragmented, with lots of small rooms. We reconfigured the ground floor into a single generous open-plan living space that connects directly to the garden. Upstairs, two new bedrooms were formed within the roof space.

The house was fully insulated to modern standards, significantly reducing energy demand, and the new dormers — finished in black zinc — give the building a quietly contemporary edge without losing its character.

Duddingston

Reworking the brief

This project is a good example of how design isn’t always about adding more.

The client initially proposed a pitched “lean-to” extension to the main house. Through the design process, we demonstrated that — with a few careful edits and removals — the existing house already had enough space.

Instead, the extension evolved into a separate annex, providing flexible accommodation for guests or potential rental income, while improving the overall clarity and efficiency of the site.

Sometimes the best solution is knowing what not to build.

Duddingston South

Annex and family extension

Nearby, another Duddingston project explored a different annex approach.

Here, the client wanted additional accommodation for extended family, including a bedroom, shower room, study and living space. The annex connects directly to the main house via an extended kitchen and new utility room.

The sectional design carefully responds to neighbouring properties: the roof stays low along the boundary to avoid overshadowing, then slopes up towards the centre of the garden to draw sunlight deep into the annex. The result is a space that feels light, calm and generous, without impacting others.

Onwards into 2026

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue working with engaged clients on thoughtful, problem-solving projects. Our focus remains on reworking existing buildings, improving accessibility and energy performance, and delivering well-crafted homes that genuinely improve daily life. We believe good architecture comes from close collaboration, clear thinking and careful decisions, and we’re looking forward to another year of ambitious, rewarding work.